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Book of Luke - Chapter 7 - Verse 38

7:38
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Meaning

This verse describes a powerful moment between Jesus and a woman who is showing great love and reverence towards him. The woman, who is not explicitly named in this passage, is depicted as crying and using her tears to wash Jesus' feet. This act of humility and devotion is a symbolic gesture of repentance and worship. By wiping his feet with her hair, she is going above and beyond societal norms to show her deep love and respect for Jesus. The act of kissing his feet and anointing them with ointment further demonstrates her reverence and adoration for him. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, acts of service, and expressing our love for others, especially when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. It teaches us the power of forgiveness, love, and devotion in our spiritual journey.

Theological Overview

One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is the account of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with ointment. This act of love and devotion is found in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisee and a sinful woman enters the room and performs this incredible act of worship. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, humility, gratitude, and love. Through her actions, the woman symbolizes repentance, faith, and a deep spiritual connection with Jesus. This story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' love and forgiveness, showing that no one is beyond redemption. In addition, word studies on terms such as "tears," "hair," "kissed," and "ointment" can reveal deeper layers of meaning, shedding light on the cultural and historical context of the time and adding richness to our understanding of this powerful narrative.

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