Luke 7:46 – “You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus continues to highlight the difference between Simon the Pharisee’s lack of hospitality and the woman’s overwhelming expression of love and devotion. Anointing a guest’s head with oil was a common sign of honor and respect in Jewish culture, especially when welcoming someone important. Simon, despite inviting Jesus into his home, failed to show this basic gesture of hospitality.
In contrast, the woman went far beyond what was expected. Instead of using ordinary oil to anoint Jesus’ head, she used expensive perfume and anointed His feet, a gesture of deep humility and reverence. By emphasizing this contrast, Jesus is making a point: true worship and love for God aren’t about doing the bare minimum—they involve giving our best and offering our whole selves in response to His grace.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish society, anointing a guest with oil was a customary act of hospitality, particularly for special guests. Olive oil was commonly used to refresh and honor guests, especially after long journeys under the hot sun. It was a practical gesture that also carried symbolic meaning, reflecting respect and blessing. To neglect this act could be seen as a sign of indifference or even disrespect.
The woman’s choice to anoint Jesus’ feet with perfume instead of His head is significant. Perfume, especially in alabaster jars, was expensive and often used sparingly for special occasions like weddings or burials. By pouring it out on Jesus’ feet, the woman was making an extravagant sacrifice, showing that she valued Him more than her most precious possession. Her actions were bold, as approaching a man like this in public, especially given her reputation as a sinner, would have been seen as scandalous. But her love for Jesus outweighed her concern for social norms.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the idea that love for God is expressed through sacrificial worship and devotion. The woman’s willingness to pour out expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet shows that she was not holding anything back. Her actions reflect a heart transformed by grace, demonstrating that those who have been forgiven much will love much.
Simon’s failure to anoint Jesus reveals his spiritual blindness and self-righteousness. He didn’t see himself as needing much forgiveness, so his response to Jesus was lukewarm. This highlights an important theological truth: when people don’t recognize the depth of their sin or their need for God’s mercy, they will fail to love Him fully.
Additionally, the act of anointing in Scripture is often associated with consecration or setting someone apart for a special purpose. While Simon failed to honor Jesus as a guest, the woman’s anointing points to Jesus’ role as the Messiah, the anointed one sent to bring salvation.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel frequently uses contrasts to reveal spiritual truths, and this verse is a key part of the contrast between Simon and the woman. The repetition of phrases like “you did not” and “she has” highlights the differences in their attitudes and actions. This literary structure draws attention to the woman’s devotion as an example of true worship and exposes Simon’s neglect as a symptom of his self-righteousness.
The imagery of oil and perfume is also symbolic. Oil was a common, practical item, while perfume was rare and costly. Simon’s failure to provide oil reflects his minimal approach to honoring Jesus, while the woman’s use of perfume shows her willingness to give extravagantly. The act of anointing Jesus’ feet instead of His head further emphasizes her humility—she places herself in the position of a servant, honoring the lowest part of His body.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 23:5 – “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows,” showing that anointing is a sign of blessing and honor.
- Mark 14:3-9 – A similar story of a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, where Jesus commends her for her act of love.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 – Samuel anoints David with oil to signify that he is chosen by God, connecting the concept of anointing to being set apart for a divine purpose.
- John 12:3 – Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, a parallel account that highlights extravagant devotion.
- Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor,” connecting the act of anointing to Jesus’ mission as the Messiah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that worship should be heartfelt and sacrificial. Like the woman, we are called to give our best to God, not just the leftovers. Her example challenges believers to examine their own devotion to Jesus. Are we offering Him the best of our time, resources, and talents, or are we giving Him only what is convenient?
This verse also encourages Christians to approach worship with humility. The woman’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet shows that genuine worship comes from a heart that is fully aware of God’s grace and willing to surrender everything in response. True worship isn’t about public recognition—it’s about offering our whole selves to God, even when it costs us something.
Additionally, this verse warns against a self-righteous attitude like Simon’s. When we fail to recognize our need for God’s forgiveness, our love for Him becomes shallow. Christians are encouraged to remember the depth of God’s mercy and let that knowledge fuel their love and worship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His acceptance of the woman’s act of worship. Despite her sinful past, Jesus welcomes her offering and commends her faith. This demonstrates that God’s love is not based on our worthiness or past mistakes—it is freely given to those who come to Him with humility and repentance.
God’s love is also patient and forgiving. While Simon failed to show Jesus the proper respect, Jesus doesn’t rebuke him harshly. Instead, He gently exposes Simon’s spiritual blindness, giving him the opportunity to understand the depth of God’s grace. This shows that God’s love is not only for the “obvious” sinners like the woman but also for those who, like Simon, need to be confronted with their own need for forgiveness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ identity as the anointed one, the Messiah who was set apart to bring salvation to humanity. The woman’s act of anointing His feet foreshadows His role as the one who would be “anointed” to suffer, die, and rise again for the forgiveness of sins. Just as oil and perfume were poured out in this act of devotion, Jesus’ life would be poured out as a sacrifice for the world.
The woman’s actions also demonstrate the proper response to Jesus’ mission. She recognizes Him as the one who forgives sins and responds with overwhelming love and gratitude. Her story reflects the transformation that occurs when people encounter Jesus and receive His forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you offering Jesus the best of your time, resources, and energy, or are you giving Him only what is convenient?
- How does recognizing the depth of God’s forgiveness influence the way you worship and serve Him?
- In what ways can you demonstrate humility and gratitude in your daily relationship with God, like the woman did?
- Are there areas in your life where you may be acting more like Simon, taking God’s presence for granted or failing to honor Him fully?
- What sacrifices, big or small, can you make to show your love and devotion to Jesus in practical ways?
Luke 7:46 teaches us that worship isn’t about doing the minimum—it’s about giving God our best and recognizing that He deserves everything we have to offer. The woman’s example challenges us to worship with humility, sacrifice, and wholehearted devotion, responding to the amazing grace we have received through Christ.