And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

LUKE 10:39KJV
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Luke 10:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:39 mean?

Luke 10:39 describes Mary, the sister of Martha, sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to what he was saying. The verse highlights Mary’s attentive posture as a learner, showing her desire to hear and understand Jesus’ teaching.

In this scene, Jesus is visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with the tasks of hosting, Mary chooses to sit close to Jesus, taking the position of a student at a teacher’s feet, which was a traditional way of showing respect and eagerness to learn. This verse sets up a contrast between the two sisters’ responses to Jesus’ presence and prepares for the conversation that follows in the passage.

The Greek behind Luke 10:39

  • The word for “sat” is ἐκαθέζετο (ekathezeto), which often suggests a settled, intentional sitting, not just a casual pause. This shows Mary’s deliberate choice to be present and attentive.
  • The phrase “at Jesus’ feet” uses the Greek word πόδας (podas, “feet”), a common way in Jewish culture to describe a disciple’s position before a respected teacher, highlighting Mary’s role as a learner.
  • The word for “heard” is ἤκουεν (ēkouen), which carries the sense of active listening, not just hearing sounds but paying close attention to the message.

Why Luke 10:39 matters

  • Luke 10:39 clarifies that Mary’s choice to sit and listen was intentional and culturally significant, not just a passive action.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus welcomed women as disciples, which was unusual in the cultural context of the time.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the contrast between Mary’s focus on Jesus’ words and Martha’s focus on serving, which becomes important in the verses that follow.

Where else these words appear

“she” Greek G3592 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
  • James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

“sister” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
  • 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.
  • Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

“Mary” Greek G3137 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  • John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

“feet” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.