ScriptureDepth's study of Luke 7
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
Luke 7:47
Jesus speaks this to Simon the Pharisee about a sinful woman, declaring her many forgiven sins and linking her love to her forgiveness, which contrasts with Simon's lack of love.
What Luke 7 is about
In Capernaum, a centurion's servant is at the point of death. The centurion sends Jewish elders to Jesus, asking him to heal the servant (vv. 2-3). The elders plead with Jesus, stating the centurion is worthy because he loves their nation and built their synagogue (vv. 4-5). Jesus agrees and goes to the centurion's house, but the centurion sends friends to tell Jesus not to come, saying he is not worthy (vv. 6-7). Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, stating he has not found such faith in Israel, and the servant is healed (vv. 8-10). In Nain, Jesus raises a widow's only son from the dead, displaying compassion and authority (vv. 11-15). John the Baptist sends disciples to inquire about Jesus’ identity (vv. 18-20). Jesus affirms his works, acknowledging John as a significant prophet (vv. 21-28). A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet, and he forgives her sins, declaring her faith has saved her (vv. 36-50).
The chapter leaves the reader with the declaration, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.".
Luke 7 at a glance
- Luke 7:1–10Healing of the Centurion's Servant
- Luke 7:11–17Raising the Widow's Son
- Luke 7:18–23John the Baptist's Inquiry
- Luke 7:24–35Jesus' Testimony about John
- Luke 7:36–50A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
Key verse: Luke 7:47
One thing to notice
A centurion sends elders to Jesus, asking him to heal his servant in verse 3. In verses 4-5, the elders describe him as 'worthy' for his love of the nation and support for the synagogue. In verses 6-7, the centurion states he is 'not worthy' for Jesus to come under his roof.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Luke 7 (WEB)
Healing of the Centurion's Servant Luke 7:1–10
1Verse 1. After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2Verse 2. A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 3Verse 3. When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. 4Verse 4. When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him, 5Verse 5. for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.” 6Verse 6. Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.
7Verse 7. Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8Verse 8. For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9Verse 9. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” 10Verse 10. Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.
Raising the Widow's Son Luke 7:11–17
11Verse 11. Soon afterwards, he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. 12Verse 12. Now when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. 13Verse 13. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.” 14Verse 14. He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15Verse 15. He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.
16Verse 16. Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” 17Verse 17. This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.
John the Baptist's Inquiry Luke 7:18–23
18Verse 18. The disciples of John told him about all these things. 19Verse 19. John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?” 20Verse 20. When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?’” 21Verse 21. In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight. 22Verse 22. Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
23Verse 23. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
Jesus' Testimony about John Luke 7:24–35
24Verse 24. When John’s messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25Verse 25. But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. 26Verse 26. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 27Verse 27. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28Verse 28. “For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in God’s Kingdom is greater than he.”
29Verse 29. When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John’s baptism. 30Verse 30. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves. 31Verse 31. “To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like? 32Verse 32. They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying, ‘We piped to you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned, and you didn’t weep.’ 33Verse 33. For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’
34Verse 34. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35Verse 35. Wisdom is justified by all her children.”
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus Luke 7:36–50
36Verse 36. One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. 37Verse 37. Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38Verse 38. Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39Verse 39. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.”
40Verse 40. Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Teacher, say on.” 41Verse 41. “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Verse 42. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?” 43Verse 43. Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44Verse 44. Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.
45Verse 45. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46Verse 46. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Verse 47. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48Verse 48. He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Verse 49. Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50Verse 50. He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
World English Bible (public domain)
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Luke 7
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.
Main themes in Luke 7
faith
The centurion in Capernaum displays great faith when he sends elders to Jesus, asking him to heal his servant (vv. 3-8). He expresses belief in Jesus' authority, stating, 'say the word, and my servant will be healed' (v. 7). Jesus marvels at this faith, declaring he has not found such great faith in Israel (v. 9). This theme moves through the chapter as faith is also highlighted in the woman who anoints Jesus, culminating in his declaration, 'Your faith has saved you' (v. 50).
Explore faith in the Bible →compassion
In Luke 7, Jesus demonstrates compassion in several instances, particularly in the encounter with the widow of Nain (vv. 12-13). He observes her grief for her only son and tells her, 'Don’t cry,' showing empathy for her mourning. Moved by her situation, he raises the dead son, restoring life and hope to the widow (vv. 14-15). This act of compassion highlights Jesus' attention to human suffering and need.
forgiveness
Forgiveness arises in the encounter with the sinful woman who anoints Jesus (vv. 37-48). Jesus tells Simon that her many sins are forgiven because she loved much, contrasting her actions with Simon's lack of hospitality (v. 47). The act of forgiving her is significant as it illustrates Jesus' authority to forgive sins, culminating in his declaration, 'Your sins are forgiven' (v. 48), which raises questions among those present about his identity.
Explore forgiveness in the Bible →authority of Jesus
The authority of Jesus is established through his healing of the centurion's servant (vv. 1-10) and raising of the widow's son (vv. 14-15). The centurion acknowledges Jesus' authority by stating, 'I also am a man placed under authority' (v. 8), which Jesus recognizes as exceptional faith. Additionally, Jesus’ authority is questioned when the Pharisees react to his forgiving of sins (vv. 49-50), framing a conflict between his divine authority and their understanding.
Chapter outline
How Luke 7 unfolds
Luke 7:1–10 Healing of the Centurion's Servant
A centurion's servant is ill, prompting the centurion to send Jewish elders to Jesus, who affirm his worthiness for healing. Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith and heals the servant from a distance (vv. 2-10).
Luke 7:11–17 Raising the Widow's Son
As Jesus approaches Nain, he encounters a funeral procession for a widow's only son. He resurrects the young man, returning him to his mother, which stirs awe among the people and spreads news of him (vv. 11-17).
Luke 7:18–23 John the Baptist's Inquiry
John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends disciples to ask Jesus if he is the expected Messiah. Jesus responds by recounting his miracles, affirming his identity and blessing those who do not stumble because of him (vv. 18-23).
Luke 7:24–35 Jesus' Testimony about John
After John's messengers leave, Jesus speaks to the crowd about John's role and greatness, contrasting John's lifestyle with his own. He critiques the generation's fickleness towards both John and himself, concluding that wisdom is justified by its results (vv. 24-35).
Luke 7:36–50 A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
A Pharisee hosts Jesus for dinner, where a sinful woman anoints his feet with ointment. Jesus tells a parable about forgiveness, affirming the woman's faith and declaring her sins forgiven (vv. 36-50).
Key verses
Luke 7:47Jesus speaks this to Simon the Pharisee about a sinful woman, declaring her many forgiven sins and linking her love to her forgiveness, which contrasts with Simon's lack of love.
Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.
One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.
Study questions
Questions for studying Luke 7
- observeIn v3, who does the centurion send to ask Jesus for help?
- observeIn v16, what do the people say about Jesus after the widow's son is raised?
- interpretJohn’s question in v19: what does it suggest about his expectations of Jesus?
- interpretIn v47, what does Jesus mean by saying 'to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little'?
- applyWhen have you felt unworthy, like the centurion in v6, yet sought help?
For Bible groups
Study Luke 7 with your group
A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Luke 7
- Luke 8Luke 7:50 and Luke 8:48Both declare peace: Luke 7:50 says, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace,” while Luke 8:48 states, “Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
- Isaiah 61Luke 7:22 and Isaiah 61:1Both affirm healing: Luke 7:22 notes, “the blind receive their sight,” while Isaiah 61:1 mentions, “to bind up the broken hearted.”
- Matthew 9Luke 7:50 and Matthew 9:22Both recognize faith: Luke 7:50 states, “Your faith has saved you,” while Matthew 9:22 echoes, “Your faith has made you well.”
- Mark 5Luke 7:50 and Mark 5:34Both affirm healing through faith: Luke 7:50 claims, “Your faith has saved you,” while Mark 5:34 states, “Your faith has made you well.”
- Luke 18Luke 7:50 and Luke 18:42Both declare healing through faith: Luke 7:50 states, “Your faith has saved you,” while Luke 18:42 says, “Your faith has healed you.”
- Matthew 11Luke 7:29 and Matthew 11:12Both acknowledge a response to John: Luke 7:29 notes baptism, while Matthew 11:12 discusses the Kingdom of Heaven's struggle.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Luke 7
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Luke: the whole bookLuke alone tells us his method.
- 30-Day Gospel Journey, day 18Day 18 of 30: Faith in Unexpected Places.
- SalvationWhat the Bible says about salvation, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
Luke 7: frequently asked questions
What is Luke 7 about?+
What is the key verse in Luke 7?+
What are the main themes of Luke 7?+
Studying Luke with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.