Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

LUKE 7:43KJV
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Luke 7:43 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:43 mean?

Luke 7:43 shows Simon answering Jesus’ question by saying that the person who was forgiven the most would love the most, and Jesus affirms that Simon’s answer is correct. This exchange highlights the connection between forgiveness and gratitude in the story Jesus is telling.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Simon the Pharisee after telling a short parable about two debtors. Simon responds to Jesus’ question about which debtor would be more grateful for forgiveness. Jesus confirms Simon’s judgment, setting up the point that those who recognize how much they’ve been forgiven respond with greater love and appreciation.

The Greek behind Luke 7:43

  • ὑπέλαβον (hypelabon, “suppose”): This word carries the sense of “I take it” or “I assume,” showing Simon is giving a thoughtful, perhaps cautious, answer rather than a bold one.
  • χαρίζομαι (charizomai, “forgave”): This word means to freely grant or forgive a debt, emphasizing the generosity of the forgiveness in Jesus’ story.
  • ὀρθῶς (orthōs, “rightly”): This word means “correctly” or “rightly,” and Jesus uses it to affirm that Simon’s understanding of the parable is accurate.

Why Luke 7:43 matters

  • Luke 7:43 clarifies that Jesus wants Simon—and the reader—to see the link between the depth of forgiveness and the depth of love or gratitude that follows.
  • This verse is a turning point in the conversation, as Jesus uses Simon’s own answer to challenge his attitude toward the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet.
  • The verse helps the reader understand the broader lesson Jesus is teaching about humility, forgiveness, and genuine response to grace.

Where else these words appear

“suppose” Greek G5274 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
  • Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

“rightly” Greek G3723 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

“forgave” Greek G5483 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
  • Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

“most” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.