Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

LUKE 7:47KJV
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Luke 7:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:47 mean?

Luke 7:47 says that the woman’s many sins are forgiven because she loved much, but someone who is forgiven little loves little. Jesus is explaining that the depth of a person’s love can reflect how much forgiveness they have received.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Simon the Pharisee about a woman who has shown him great affection and humility. Jesus points out that her actions—washing his feet with her tears and anointing them—show deep gratitude, which comes from knowing she has been forgiven much. The verse highlights the connection between forgiveness and love, using the woman’s example to teach Simon about the heart’s response to mercy.

The Greek behind Luke 7:47

  • ἀφίημι (a-fiēmi, G863) — "forgiven": This word means to send away or release, often used for forgiving sins. Here, it emphasizes that her many wrongs have been fully let go.
  • ἀγαπάω (agapaō, G25) — "loved": This is a word for deep, self-giving love, not just affection. The verse links this kind of love to the experience of forgiveness.
  • ὀλίγος (oligos, G3641) — "little": Used twice, this word draws a contrast between the woman and others, highlighting the difference in both forgiveness received and love shown.
  • πολύς (polys, G4183) — "many"/"much": This word describes both her sins and her love, tying the two together and showing that the extent of forgiveness and love are connected.

Why Luke 7:47 matters

  • Luke 7:47 clears up the idea that love earns forgiveness; instead, Jesus points out that love is a response to forgiveness already given.
  • The verse helps explain why some people seem more grateful or devoted to God—they may be more aware of how much they have been forgiven.
  • This moment in the story contrasts the woman’s heartfelt response with Simon’s reserved attitude, challenging readers to consider their own awareness of grace and mercy.

Where else these words appear

“Wherefore” Greek G5484 · used in 9 verses

  • Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
  • Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

“little” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“loved” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

“forgiven” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.