You did not anoint My head with oilIn biblical times, anointing with oil was a common practice for hospitality, signifying honor and respect. It was customary for a host to anoint the head of a guest with oil as a sign of welcome and blessing. This practice is seen in
Psalm 23:5, where David speaks of God anointing his head with oil, symbolizing abundance and favor. The absence of this gesture by the Pharisee, Simon, highlights a lack of respect and recognition of Jesus' status. Anointing also had religious significance, often associated with consecration and the Holy Spirit, as seen in the anointing of kings and priests (
1 Samuel 16:13).
but she has anointed My feet with perfume
The act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume by the woman, traditionally identified as a sinner, is a profound demonstration of humility and devotion. Perfume, or ointment, was costly and often used sparingly, indicating the woman's sacrificial love and repentance. This act contrasts sharply with Simon's neglect and serves as a powerful symbol of worship and recognition of Jesus' divine authority. The use of perfume on Jesus' feet echoes the anointing of kings and foreshadows His burial, as seen inJohn 12:3-7, where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with nard. This act fulfills the prophetic imagery ofIsaiah 61:1, where the Messiah is anointed to bring good news, highlighting Jesus as the anointed one, the Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is at a Pharisee's house, teaching through His actions and words.
2.
The Pharisee (Simon)A religious leader who invited Jesus to his home, yet failed to show customary hospitality.
3.
The Sinful WomanAn unnamed woman known for her sinful life, who anoints Jesus' feet with perfume as an act of repentance and worship.
4.
The House of SimonThe setting of this event, a place where social and religious norms are challenged by Jesus' actions and teachings.
5.
The AnointingA significant act of devotion and humility, contrasting the Pharisee's lack of hospitality.
Teaching Points
Hospitality and HonorThe Pharisee's failure to anoint Jesus' head reflects a lack of true hospitality and honor. As Christians, we are called to honor Christ in our lives and extend genuine hospitality to others.
Repentance and WorshipThe woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume is a profound expression of repentance and worship. True repentance involves humility and a willingness to honor Christ above societal norms.
Value of DevotionThe costly perfume signifies the value of wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Our worship should be extravagant and sacrificial, reflecting the worth of Christ in our lives.
Judgment vs. GraceThe Pharisee judged the woman for her past, while Jesus extended grace and forgiveness. We are called to follow Jesus' example, offering grace rather than judgment to those seeking Him.
Recognition of Jesus' IdentityThe woman's actions demonstrate her recognition of Jesus as Lord. Our lives should reflect a deep understanding and acknowledgment of who Jesus is.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 7:46?
2.How does Luke 7:46 illustrate the importance of honoring Jesus with actions?
3.What cultural significance did anointing with oil have in biblical times?
4.How can we show reverence to Jesus in our daily lives today?
5.Compare Luke 7:46 with Psalm 23:5. What similarities do you find?
6.How can we ensure our worship is heartfelt and not just ritualistic?
7.Why did Jesus emphasize the act of anointing in Luke 7:46?
8.How does Luke 7:46 illustrate the theme of hospitality in biblical times?
9.What cultural significance did anointing with oil have in the context of Luke 7:46?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 7?
11.What does "You anoint my head with oil" mean?
12.What does 'You anoint my head with oil' mean?
13.What was the purpose of Jesus being anointed?
14.Luke 7:36-50 - How does the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman align, or conflict, with other anointing accounts in the Gospels regarding location, timing, and participants?What Does Luke 7:46 Mean
You did not anoint My head with oil• Jesus speaks these exact words to Simon the Pharisee, openly contrasting Simon’s cool reception with the lavish love shown by the repentant woman (Luke 7:44–45).
• In first-century Israel, anointing a guest’s head with oil was a common act of hospitality, refreshment, and honor (Psalm 23:5;2 Samuel 12:20). Simon literally failed to extend even this basic courtesy, exposing a heart that, while religiously strict, was spiritually indifferent toward Christ.
• Oil in Scripture often points to joy and consecration. By withholding it, Simon silently declared that Jesus was not worthy of special recognition—an attitude Jesus directly challenges (Isaiah 61:3;Acts 10:38).
• The Lord’s rebuke underscores that outward religiosity means nothing if it is not matched by genuine love and honor for Him (Matthew 15:8).
but she has anointed My feet with perfume• The unnamed woman, widely identified as a notorious sinner in the town, approaches Jesus in brokenness and faith (Luke 7:37–38). Instead of merely anointing His head, she goes lower—His feet—demonstrating humility and deep repentance (John 12:3 offers a similar scene with Mary of Bethany).
• The perfume was costly (Mark 14:3). Pouring it out on Jesus’ feet illustrated extravagant devotion; she held nothing back. Where Simon withheld inexpensive olive oil, she poured out precious fragrance.
• Kneeling at His feet fulfills the prophetic picture of sinners finding mercy at the Messiah’s feet (Psalm 51:17;Luke 8:35). Her outward act reveals an inward reality: she believes Jesus can and will forgive her sins.
• Jesus accepts her worship without rebuke, affirming both His divinity and His authority to forgive (Luke 7:48–50), something only God can do (Isaiah 43:25).
summarySimon’s omission and the woman’s action form a vivid, literal contrast between empty formality and heartfelt faith. The verse teaches that Christ looks past social standing to the posture of the heart. Neglecting even simple expressions of honor toward Jesus exposes spiritual coldness, while extravagant, humble love—even from the least esteemed—receives His full approval and forgiveness.
(46)
My head with oil thou didst not anoint.--This also, though not so common as the kiss and the washing of the feet, was yet a mark of courtesy due to an honoured guest. For one who had journeyed to a feast under the burning sun of Syria, it brought with it a sense of comfort and refreshment which made it a, fit type of spiritual realities. For the usage, see
Psalm 23:5;
Psalm 45:7;
Ecclesiastes 9:8. Partly because the use of oil or chrism became more directly symbolic in the ritual of the Christian Church--as in baptism, confirmation, extreme unction, the coronation of kings--partly because in other climates its necessity was not felt, the practice, as belonging to common life, has dropped into disuse. Note the contrast between the olive "oil," which was commonly used, and the more costly "ointment."
Verse 46. -
My head with oilthou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. "It never entered thy thoughts to pay me the homage - and yet I had helped thee, too, a little - of pouring oil on my head" (this was by no means an unusual mark of respect in the case of an honoured guest; to one who, under the burning sun of Palestine, had walked, perhaps, some distance, this pouring oil over the head was a great comfort and refreshment); "but
she hath anointed, not my head, she shrank, poor soul! from doing this; but my feet. And, too, it was no common oil which she used, but precious, fragrant ointment. A cold, loveless welcome, indeed, my Pharisee friend, was thine! Thou thinkest it honour enough the mere admitting the carpenter's Son to thy table; no need of these special tokens of friendship for thy Guest - the water for the feet, the kiss for the face, the oil for the head. It were a pity, surely, for the great world at Jerusalem to look on thee as the friend of the Nazareth Teacher, as on the one Pharisee who loved to honour the Galilaean Reformer."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
You did not anointἤλειψας(ēleipsas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 218:To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.headκεφαλήν(kephalēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2776:From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.with oil,ἐλαίῳ(elaiō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1637:Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.sheαὕτη(hautē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.has anointedἤλειψεν(ēleipsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 218:To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.feetπόδας(podas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.with perfume.μύρῳ(myrō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3464:Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil.
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NT Gospels: Luke 7:46 You didn't anoint my head with oil (Luke Lu Lk)