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Luke 7:39

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 7:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.
Luke 7:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee`s house, and sat down to meat.
37And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee`s house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment,
38and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.
40And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on.
41A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty.
42When they had not [wherewith] to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?
← Luke 7:38Luke 7:40 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now when the Pharisee, which had bidden him, saw it, etc.] Simon, who had invited Christ to eat with him, when he saw what was done by the woman, how she stood at his feet, and washed them with her tears, and wiped them with her hairs, and then kissed and anointed them: he spoke within himself; not openly and publicly, being in good manners, though not in real respect to Christ, unwilling to affront his guest; but turned these things over in his mind, and reasoned upon them within himself: saying, this man, if he were a prophet; as he was said, and believed to be by many, but questioned by this Pharisee: would have known who and what manner of woman this is, that toucheth him; he took it for…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the Pharisee--who had formed no definite opinion of our Lord, and invited Him apparently to obtain materials for a judgment. spake within himself, &c.--"Ha! I have Him now; He plainly knows nothing of the person He allows to touch Him; and so, He can be no prophet." Not so fast, Simon; thou hast not seen through thy Guest yet, but He hath seen through thee.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He spake within himself - Thought. If he were a prophet - The word “prophet” here means, not one who predicts future events, but one who knows the hearts of people. If Jesus had been sent from God as a prophet, he supposed that he would have known the character of the woman and would have rebuked her. Would have known ... - Because Jesus did not rebuke her and drive her from his presence, he inferred that he could not be acquainted with her character. The Pharisees considered it improper to hold communion with those who were notorious sinners. They judged our Saviour by their own rules, and supposed that “he” would act in the same way; and Simon therefore concluded that he did not know her…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he spake: Luk 3:8, Luk 12:17, Luk 16:3, Luk 18:4; Kg2 5:20; Pro 23:7; Mar 2:6, Mar 2:7, Mar 7:21 This man: Luk 7:16; Joh 7:12, Joh 7:40, Joh 7:41, Joh 7:47-52, Joh 9:24 would: Luk 7:37, Luk 15:2, Luk 15:28-30, Luk 18:9-11; Isa 65:5; Mat 9:12, Mat 9:13, Mat 20:16, Mat 21:28-31 Luke 7:40”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification