New International VersionShe had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
New Living TranslationHer sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
English Standard VersionAnd she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
Berean Standard BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message.
Berean Literal BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also, having sat down at the feet of the Lord, was listening to His word.
King James BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
New King James VersionAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.
New American Standard BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word.
NASB 1995She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
NASB 1977And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord’s word, seated at His feet.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
Amplified BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.
Christian Standard BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said.
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said.
American Standard VersionAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word.
Contemporary English VersionShe had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said.
English Revised VersionAnd she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationShe had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to him talk.
Good News TranslationShe had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching.
International Standard VersionShe had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and kept listening to what he was saying.
NET BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he said.
New Heart English BibleShe had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Weymouth New TestamentShe had a sister called Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleShe had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His message.
World English BibleShe had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard his word. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand she also had a sister, called Mary, who also, having seated herself beside the feet of Jesus, was hearing the word,
Berean Literal BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also, having sat down at the feet of the Lord, was listening to His word.
Young's Literal Translation and she had also a sister, called Mary, who also, having seated herself beside the feet of Jesus, was hearing the word,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd also a sister was to her, called Mary; and she having sat at Jesus' feet, heard his word. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard his word.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd she had a sister, named Mary, who, while sitting beside the Lord’s feet, was listening to his word.
New American BibleShe had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
New Revised Standard VersionShe had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she had a sister whose name was Mary, and she came and sat at the feet of our Lord, and listened to his words.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd she had a sister, whose name was Maryam, and she came and sat herself at the feet of Our Lord, and she was listening to his words. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the feet of Jesus, and heard his word.
Godbey New TestamentAnd there was a sister to her called Mary, who indeed sitting down at the feet of the Lord, continued to hear his word:
Haweis New TestamentAnd she had a sister called Mary, who sitting down also at the feet of Jesus, hearkened to his discourse.
Mace New Testamentnow she had a sister, named Mary, who placed herself at the feet of Jesus, to attend to his discourse.
Weymouth New TestamentShe had a sister called Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching.
Worrell New TestamentAnd she had a sister called Mary, who, also seated at the Lord's feet, was hearing His word.
Worsley New TestamentAnd she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, attending to his discourse.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Martha and Mary38As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39Shehada sisternamedMary,whosatattheLord’sfeetlistening toHismessage.40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”…
Cross References John 11:1-2At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. / (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)
John 12:1-3Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. / So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. / Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Luke 8:35So the people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
Matthew 26:6-7While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, / a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.
Mark 14:3While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.
John 11:32When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.
John 11:28-29After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” / And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.
John 20:16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Acts 22:3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
Psalm 27:4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.
Psalm 119:97Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.
Psalm 119:148My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word.
Proverbs 8:34Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Treasury of Scripture And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. which. Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Deuteronomy 33:3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saintsare in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet;every one shall receive of thy words. Jump to Previous AttentionFeetHeardHearingHerselfJesusLord'sMarySatSeatSeatedSisterTeachingWordWordsJump to Next AttentionFeetHeardHearingHerselfJesusLord'sMarySatSeatSeatedSisterTeachingWordWordsLuke 10 1.Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach;13.pronounces a woe against certain cities.17.The seventy return with joy;18.he shows them wherein to rejoice,21.and thanks his Father for his grace;23.magnifies the happy estate of his church;25.teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life,30.and tells the parable of the good Samaritan;38.reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister.She had a sister named MaryMary is a common name in the New Testament, often associated with devotion and discipleship. In this context, Mary is the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. This Mary is distinct from other Marys in the Bible, such as Mary Magdalene or Mary, the mother of Jesus. The family is known for their close relationship with Jesus, as seen in other passages like John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The mention of Mary here sets the stage for a contrast between her contemplative nature and Martha's active service. who sat at the Lord’s feet
Sitting at someone's feet was a traditional posture of a disciple learning from a teacher. This indicates Mary's role as a devoted follower of Jesus, eager to learn from Him. In Jewish culture, disciples would sit at the feet of rabbis to receive instruction, signifying humility and a desire for wisdom. This act of sitting at Jesus' feet also symbolizes submission and reverence, acknowledging His authority and wisdom. It reflects the importance of prioritizing spiritual learning and relationship with Christ over other concerns. listening to His message
Mary's focus on listening highlights the importance of receiving and understanding Jesus' teachings. In the Gospels, Jesus often emphasizes the value of hearing and obeying His words, as seen in passages likeMatthew 7:24-27, where He compares those who hear His words and act on them to a wise builder. The message of Jesus encompasses His teachings about the Kingdom of God, love, forgiveness, and salvation. Mary's attentiveness contrasts with Martha's distraction, underscoring the theme of choosing the "better part" by prioritizing spiritual nourishment. This moment foreshadows the New Covenant, where believers are called to be attentive to the voice of Christ, the ultimate Teacher and Prophet. Persons / Places / Events 1. MaryThe sister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her devotion and attentiveness to Jesus' teachings. In this passage, she exemplifies a posture of discipleship by sitting at Jesus' feet. 2. MarthaMary's sister, who is mentioned in the surrounding verses as being concerned with the preparations and hospitality for Jesus. Her actions contrast with Mary's focus on listening to Jesus. 3. JesusThe central figure in this passage, whose teachings Mary is eager to hear. His presence in the home of Mary and Martha provides an opportunity for intimate learning and fellowship. 4. The Home of Mary and MarthaThe setting for this event, likely in Bethany, which serves as a place of hospitality and learning. 5. The MessageRefers to the teachings of Jesus, which Mary is intently listening to. This highlights the importance of Jesus' words and the priority of spiritual learning. Teaching Points Prioritizing Spiritual GrowthMary’s choice to sit at Jesus' feet highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and learning over worldly concerns. Posture of a DiscipleSitting at Jesus' feet symbolizes humility and a willingness to learn. As modern disciples, we should adopt a similar posture in our spiritual journey. Balancing Service and DevotionWhile Martha's service is valuable, Mary's example teaches us to balance our service with devotion and time spent in God's presence. Listening to JesusActively listening to Jesus' teachings is crucial for spiritual growth. We should seek opportunities to hear and meditate on His word. Intimacy with ChristMary's actions demonstrate the value of cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, which is foundational for a vibrant faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 10:39?
2.How can we prioritize "listening to the Lord's word" in our daily lives?
3.What does Mary's example in Luke 10:39 teach about discipleship and devotion?
4.How does Mary's choice connect with Psalm 119:105 about God's word guiding us?
5.In what ways can we create a space to "sit at the Lord's feet"?
6.How can we balance service and devotion, as seen in Luke 10:39?
7.What does Luke 10:39 reveal about the role of women in early Christianity?
8.How does Mary’s choice in Luke 10:39 challenge traditional gender roles?
9.Why is listening to Jesus prioritized over serving in Luke 10:39?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 10?
11.How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus?
12.Can you truly listen and understand?
13.What is the purpose of soaking prayer?
14.What is Bethany's significance in the Bible?What Does Luke 10:39 Mean She had a sister named Mary• Luke identifies Mary as Martha’s sister, grounding the scene in a real family (seeJohn 11:1-2 andJohn 12:3, where the same Mary anoints Jesus). • By noting their relationship, the text reminds us that each believer—even those in the same household—must decide personally how to respond to Jesus (compareJoshua 24:15). • Mary’s presence underscores the invitation Jesus extends to all, including women who in that culture were often excluded from formal teaching (seeGalatians 3:28).
who sat at the Lord’s feet• To “sit at the feet” of a rabbi was the recognized posture of a disciple (Acts 22:3). Mary takes that place openly, showing both humility (Deuteronomy 33:3) and commitment. • The physical detail affirms that Jesus was present in their home, allowing intimate access to Himself (Revelation 3:20). • Mary’s choice contrasts with Martha’s busyness (Luke 10:40), highlighting that nearness to Christ matters more than activity for Him.
listening to His message• Mary’s focus is on Jesus’ words, fulfilling what He later commends: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Faith grows through hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:17); Mary models that receptive faith. • Her listening indicates expectation and dependence (Psalm 130:5). It is the very posture Jesus desires, as shown when He tells Martha that Mary “has chosen the good portion” (Luke 10:42).
summaryMary deliberately places herself under Jesus’ teaching, illustrating the primacy of relationship over responsibility, of receiving over rushing, of discipleship over distraction. The verse calls every believer to sit at the Lord’s feet, to listen first, and to let His word direct all subsequent service. (39) A sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet.--The better MSS. give, "at the Lord's feet." Few readers can fail to notice the identity of character here and in the entirely independent narratives of John 11, 12. There also Martha is active ( John 11:20) and conspicuous in serving ( John 12:2); Mary, meditative and emotional, pouring her whole soul into one act of love ( John 11:31; John 12:3).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Sheτῇδε(tēde)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3592:This here, this, that, he, she, it.hadἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.a sisterἀδελφὴ(adelphē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 79:A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.namedκαλουμένη(kaloumenē)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.Mary,Μαριάμ(Mariam)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3137:Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.whoἣ(hē)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.satπαρακαθεσθεῖσα(parakathestheisa)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3869:To sit down beside, set beside. From para and kathizo; to sit down near.atπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord’sΚυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.feet,πόδας(podas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.listening toἤκουεν(ēkouen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.message.λόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
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NT Gospels: Luke 10:39 She had a sister called Mary who (Luke Lu Lk) |
