Luke 7:47 – “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus concludes His teaching to Simon the Pharisee by explaining the connection between forgiveness and love. The woman’s extravagant display of love—her tears, kisses, and the pouring of perfume—was evidence that she had experienced the forgiveness of her sins. Jesus makes it clear that her love wasn’t the cause of her forgiveness but the result of it. She loved much because she had been forgiven much.
On the other hand, Jesus points out that those who think they have little to be forgiven for will naturally show less love. This isn’t because God’s forgiveness is limited, but because their lack of understanding about their own sin prevents them from fully appreciating God’s grace. Simon, who saw himself as righteous, didn’t feel the same love and gratitude toward Jesus because he didn’t recognize his own need for forgiveness.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, sin was often viewed through a public lens—people like Simon would have seen obvious sinners, such as the woman, as spiritually inferior and far from God’s favor. Pharisees prided themselves on strict obedience to the law, believing that their good behavior minimized their need for forgiveness. This mindset led to a self-righteous attitude, where people like Simon viewed themselves as spiritually “clean” compared to others.
The woman in this story was likely known in the community for her sinful reputation, which could have included sexual immorality or other publicly condemned sins. For her to approach Jesus in a Pharisee’s home was a bold and risky move. But she wasn’t there to defend herself or hide her past—she came to Jesus with humility, knowing that He had the power to forgive her and change her life.
Jesus’ statement would have challenged Simon’s assumptions about sin and forgiveness. Instead of focusing on outward appearances or the size of the woman’s sin, Jesus emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s need for forgiveness. Whether someone’s sins are public or private, God’s forgiveness is available to anyone who humbly seeks it.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals a key theological truth: forgiveness is a gift of grace, not something we earn. The woman’s love didn’t earn her forgiveness—Jesus makes it clear that her love is a response to the forgiveness she has already received. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Another important implication is the relationship between forgiveness and love. The more we understand the depth of our sin and the greatness of God’s mercy, the more we will love Him. Simon’s lack of love was a symptom of his spiritual blindness—he didn’t see his need for forgiveness because he thought his outward obedience to the law made him righteous. But Jesus teaches that even those who appear “good” are in need of God’s grace.
This verse also shows that God’s forgiveness isn’t limited by the size or severity of our sins. The woman’s “many sins” were forgiven, demonstrating that God’s grace can cover even the worst of sins when we come to Him in faith and repentance.
Literary Analysis
The structure of Jesus’ statement emphasizes the contrast between the woman and Simon. The phrase “her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown” highlights that her actions are evidence of her forgiveness. Jesus doesn’t diminish the seriousness of her sin, but He focuses on the fact that forgiveness has led to transformation.
The second part of the verse—“whoever has been forgiven little loves little”—is a rebuke aimed at Simon. It’s not that Simon’s sins were actually small, but that his perception of his own sin was small. This literary device, using contrast, reinforces the main point: those who recognize their sin and receive forgiveness will experience greater love and gratitude.
The use of the word “therefore” is important because it connects the woman’s actions to the forgiveness she has received. It signals that her love is a response, not the cause, of her forgiveness. This structure underscores the idea that true worship and devotion flow from an understanding of God’s grace.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 18:9-14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, where the humble sinner is justified before God while the self-righteous Pharisee is not.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, showing that forgiveness is a gift from God.
- Psalm 103:10-12 – God does not treat us as our sins deserve but removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west.
- Romans 5:8 – God demonstrates His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
- 1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us,” emphasizing that our love for God is a response to His love and forgiveness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder to reflect on the depth of God’s forgiveness and respond with genuine love and gratitude. If our love for God feels weak or distant, it may be because we’ve forgotten how much we’ve been forgiven. Regularly reflecting on the mercy we’ve received can reignite our passion for God and deepen our worship.
This verse also challenges believers to examine their attitudes toward others. Like Simon, we can be tempted to judge people based on their past or outward behavior, forgetting that everyone is in need of God’s grace. Instead of looking down on others, Christians are called to extend the same love and forgiveness that they’ve received.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to avoid spiritual pride. No matter how good we think we are, we all fall short of God’s standard and need His forgiveness. Recognizing this truth should lead to humility, compassion, and a deeper love for God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His willingness to forgive “many sins.” The woman’s story demonstrates that no sin is too great for God’s mercy. His love is not limited by our failures—He welcomes anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
God’s love is also transformational. He doesn’t just forgive our sins and leave us as we are—His forgiveness leads to a changed heart. The woman’s love for Jesus is proof that God’s grace can transform even the most broken lives.
This verse also shows that God’s love is personal. While Simon saw the woman as a sinner, Jesus saw her as someone forgiven and loved by God. He looks beyond our past mistakes and sees our potential for transformation through His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one who makes forgiveness possible. His authority to forgive sins is demonstrated in this story, as He publicly affirms that the woman’s many sins have been forgiven. This foreshadows His ultimate act of forgiveness through His death on the cross, where He paid the price for the sins of the world.
The connection between forgiveness and love is central to Jesus’ mission. He came not to condemn sinners but to save them, and those who experience His forgiveness are called to respond with love and devotion. The woman’s story is a picture of what it means to encounter Jesus and be changed by His grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does reflecting on the forgiveness you’ve received from God deepen your love for Him?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to recognize your need for God’s forgiveness?
- What can you learn from the woman’s example about expressing love and gratitude toward Jesus?
- Do you find yourself judging others, like Simon did? How can you adopt Jesus’ perspective and extend grace instead of judgment?
- How can you show your love for Jesus in practical ways, reflecting the gratitude you have for His forgiveness?
Luke 7:47 is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is freely given to those who recognize their need for it. When we understand the depth of our forgiveness, our natural response will be love—love for God and love for others. The more we appreciate His mercy, the more our lives will be transformed by His grace.