And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

LUKE 7:49KJV
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Luke 7:49 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:49 mean?

Luke 7:49 describes how the people eating with Jesus began quietly questioning among themselves who Jesus was, since he claimed the authority to forgive sins. Their reaction shows surprise and even skepticism, because forgiving sins was understood to be something only God could do.

In this scene, Jesus is at a meal in the house of a Pharisee, and he has just told a woman that her sins are forgiven. The other guests, likely religious leaders and their associates, are not speaking out loud but are thinking to themselves. Their question, "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?" reveals their struggle to understand or accept Jesus' authority, and it highlights the unusual nature of what Jesus has just done in their presence.

The Greek behind Luke 7:49

  • ἀφίησιν (aphiēsin, "forgiveth"): This Greek word means to release, let go, or forgive. In this context, it refers specifically to the forgiveness of sins, which was a divine prerogative in Jewish thought. The use of this word signals that Jesus is doing something extraordinary in the eyes of those present.
  • καὶ (kai, "also"): The word "also" here emphasizes that forgiving sins is in addition to other things Jesus has done, underlining the growing sense of amazement or concern among the guests about the extent of his authority.

Why Luke 7:49 matters

  • This verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, showing how his actions challenged their understanding of who could forgive sins.
  • The question the guests ask connects to a larger theme in Luke’s Gospel: the identity and authority of Jesus, especially in relation to God.
  • Luke 7:49 helps set up the contrast between the skepticism of the onlookers and the faith of the woman who received forgiveness, sharpening the reader’s awareness of different responses to Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“him” Greek G4873 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 2:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“forgiveth” 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.