Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

LUKE 10:38KJV
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Luke 10:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:38 mean?

Luke 10:38 describes Jesus entering a village while traveling, where a woman named Martha welcomes Him into her home. This verse introduces the setting for the following story about Jesus’ visit with Martha and her sister Mary.

The verse is part of Luke’s account of Jesus’ journey and interactions with people along the way. Here, the focus shifts to a private home, highlighting Martha’s role as the one who receives Jesus. The mention of Martha by name and her act of hospitality set the stage for the well-known story about her and Mary, which explores themes of service, attention, and priorities in following Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 10:38

  • The word "received" (ὑπεδέξατο, hypedexato) is often used for welcoming someone as a guest, suggesting Martha’s active hospitality and her initiative in inviting Jesus into her home.
  • The phrase "her house" (τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς, ton oikon autēs) makes clear that Martha is the head or main host of the household, which is notable in the cultural context where homes were often identified with male heads of family.
  • The word "certain" (τις, tis) is used twice, once for the village and once for the woman, emphasizing the specific but unnamed location and highlighting Martha as a particular individual in the story.

Why Luke 10:38 matters

  • Luke 10:38 sets up the contrast between Martha and Mary that follows, making Martha’s actions and character central to the story’s message.
  • The verse emphasizes hospitality, a valued practice in the ancient world, and shows Jesus’ willingness to enter and teach in ordinary homes, not just public places.
  • By naming Martha and describing her as the one who welcomes Jesus, the verse gives her a place of honor and responsibility, which shapes how readers understand the dynamics in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G5264 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

“Martha” Greek G3136 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

“village” Greek G2968 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
  • Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

“house” Greek G3624 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;