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.