Jesus' Statement on Forgiveness and Love in Luke 7
In Luke 7:47, Jesus declares, "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" [1]. This statement concludes an encounter where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet at the house of Simon the Pharisee.
The narrative context begins with Simon inviting Jesus to dinner but neglecting customary hospitality, such as providing water for Jesus' feet or a kiss of greeting [2]. A woman, identified as a sinner, enters and weeps over Jesus' feet, washing them with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with ointment [2]. Simon silently questions Jesus' prophetic discernment, reasoning that if Jesus knew her reputation, he would not allow her to touch him [2]. Jesus then tells a parable about two debtors, one owing a large sum and the other a small sum, both of whom are forgiven by their creditor. Jesus asks Simon which debtor would love the creditor more, to which Simon correctly replies, "The one for whom he canceled the larger debt" [4].
The key interpretive decision in Luke 7:47 revolves around the word "for" (ὅτι in Greek). Some translations render it as "because," suggesting that the woman's love was the cause of her forgiveness. However, many scholars and commentators argue that "for" should be understood as "inasmuch as" or "in proof of which" [3]. This interpretation posits that her great love was a demonstration or consequence of the forgiveness she had already received, rather than the condition for it [3, 5]. The parable itself supports this view, as the one forgiven much subsequently loves much [4].
Augustine, in his homilies on this passage, emphasizes the woman's actions as a response to her forgiveness, contrasting her devotion with Simon's lack of hospitality [2]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary explicitly states that love is not the cause of forgiveness but rather evidence of it [3]. Similarly, Tyndale House notes that her "extraordinary act of sacrificial love" occurred "because Jesus had forgiven her sins" [4]. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical teaching that forgiveness is a divine act, often secured through expiation, which then leads to a transformed life and love for God [6]. The passage thus highlights that a profound experience of forgiveness elicits a profound response of love and devotion [5].
Sources
- Luke “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”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — ON THE WORDS OF THE GOSPEL, LUKE VII. 37, "AND BEHOLD, A WOMAN WHO WAS IN THE CITY, A SINNER," ETC. ON THE REMISSION OF SINS, AGAINST THE DONATISTS. (part 3): said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest Me no water for My feet: she hath washed My feet with tears, and wiped them with her hairs. Thou gavest Me no kiss: this woman since the time she came in, hath not ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed My feet with ointment. Therefore I say, her many sins”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 7:47: Her sins which are many--"Those many sins of hers," our Lord, who admitted how much more she owed than the Pharisee, now proclaims in naked terms the forgiveness of her guilt. for--not because, as if love were the cause of forgiveness, but "inasmuch as," or "in proof of which." The latter clause of the verse, and the whole structure of the parable, plainly show this to be the meaning. little forgiven . . . loveth little--delicately ironical intimation of no love and no forgiveness in the present case.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 7:43: 7:43 the one for whom he canceled the larger debt: Those who had been forgiven the most responded with greater gratitude and love. The woman did her extraordinary act of sacrificial love because Jesus had forgiven her sins.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 7:47: 7:47 so she has shown me much love: This is a better translation than the traditional “because she loved much.” It was not that her great love for Jesus caused him to forgive her, but that the forgiveness she had already received from Jesus prompted her love.”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 103: looking for of judgment.” It was pardon, therefore, founded upon the expiation of sin, that was secured by the sacrifice of Christ. And this is declared to be the only possible means by which our guilt can be removed, or the justice of God satisfied. It is to be always borne in mind, however, that the end of expiation is reconciliation with God, and that reconciliation with God involves or secures conformity to his image and intimate fellowship with Him. The ultimate design of the work of Christ is, therefore, declared to be to “bring us”