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.