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.

LUKE 10:40KJV
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Luke 10:40 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:40 mean?

Luke 10:40 describes Martha feeling overwhelmed by all the work of serving and asking Jesus to tell her sister Mary to help her. Martha is frustrated that Mary has left her to handle the preparations alone and wants Jesus to intervene.

In this scene, Martha speaks directly to Jesus while Mary is sitting and listening to him. The verse shows Martha’s concern with practical tasks and her sense of unfairness, while Mary is focused on Jesus’ teaching. The verse sets up a contrast between the two sisters’ priorities and highlights Martha’s emotional state as she seeks help from Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 10:40

  • The word "cumbered" is from περιεσπάτο (periespato), which means to be distracted or pulled away by many things. This shows Martha is not just busy, but her attention is scattered and weighed down by her responsibilities.
  • The word "serving" is διακονία (diakonia), which often means practical service or ministry. Here, it refers to Martha’s work preparing and serving, highlighting the real, hands-on nature of her tasks.
  • The word "help" is συναντιλάβηται (synantilabētai), which means to take hold together with, or to assist. Martha is not just asking for company, but for real, active help in her work.

Why Luke 10:40 matters

  • This verse clears up that Martha’s frustration is not just about being busy, but about feeling alone and unsupported in her work, which adds emotional weight to her request.
  • The verse highlights the tension between practical service and attentive listening, a theme that Jesus will address in the following verses.
  • Understanding Martha’s words and actions helps set up the lesson Jesus gives about priorities, showing that both action and attention have their place in following him.

Where else these words appear

“help” Greek G4878 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

“dost” Greek G3199 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

“Martha” Greek G3136 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:38 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.
  • 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.

“him” Greek G2186 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
  • Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.