Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Luke - Chapter 7 - Verse 47

7:47
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Meaning

When Jesus said, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little," he was emphasizing the profound impact of forgiveness on one's capacity to love. In this verse, Jesus is teaching that those who have experienced great forgiveness are more likely to show great love in return. The woman in this story, who expressed her love and gratitude through her actions, was forgiven by Jesus for her sins. Her deep sense of love and gratitude for the forgiveness she received led her to show extravagant love towards Jesus. On the other hand, those who do not recognize the extent of their own forgiveness may struggle to show love and compassion towards others. This verse highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the forgiveness we receive, as it can have a transformative effect on our capacity to love and show compassion to others.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the connection between forgiveness and love. In this verse, Jesus is teaching a profound truth about the relationship between the depth of one's sin and the capacity to love in return for forgiveness. The woman who is forgiven much responds with great love and devotion to Jesus, while those who believe they have little to be forgiven for may struggle to show the same level of love and gratitude. This verse challenges believers to reflect on their own understanding of forgiveness and love. It highlights the importance of recognizing our own need for forgiveness and responding with a deep and sincere love for God and others. Word studies on this verse may focus on the Greek words used for 'forgiven' and 'love,' exploring the nuances of these terms in the original language to gain a deeper understanding of the verse's meaning. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the profound impact it can have on one's relationship with God.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.
Previous VerseNext Verse