Book of Luke - Chapter 7 - Verse 46

In this verse from the Bible, Jesus is contrasting two different acts of hospitality. The act of anointing someone's head with oil was a common practice in the ancient Middle East as a way of welcoming and honoring a guest. Anointing the head symbolized respect and blessings upon the individual. In this context, Jesus is referencing the fact that the host did not offer him the customary hospitality of anointing his head with oil when he entered the house. However, Jesus acknowledges the act of humility and love shown by a woman who anointed his feet with expensive ointment. By accepting this gesture, Jesus is demonstrating that true hospitality is not just about following customs or rituals, but about genuine acts of love and kindness. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize gestures of compassion and generosity over outward displays of tradition and formality.

In this verse, Jesus refers to a common practice in the ancient Near East where hosts would anoint the heads of their guests with oil as a sign of hospitality and honor. By mentioning that his head was not anointed but his feet were instead anointed by the sinful woman, Jesus draws a stark contrast between the actions of the Pharisee who invited him to dinner and the actions of the woman. The woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet with ointment symbolizes her deep humility, repentance, and love for Jesus. It also foreshadows Jesus' upcoming sacrificial death and burial, where his body would be anointed with spices and ointments. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine repentance, humility, and love in our relationship with Jesus. Through this theological interpretation, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this woman's actions and Jesus' response to them.