Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 7:44

Albert Barnes Commentary

Luke 7:44

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Luke 7:44

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair." — Luke 7:44 (ASV)

Do you see this woman? You see what this woman has done to me, compared with what you have done. She has shown me expressions of regard which you, in your own house, have not shown.

I entered into your house. I came at your invitation, where I might expect all the usual rites of hospitality.

You gave me no water for my feet. Among Eastern people it was customary, before eating, to wash the feet; and to do this, or to bring water for it, was one of the rites of hospitality. See Genesis 18:4; Judges 19:21. The reasons for this were, that they wore sandals, which covered only the bottom of the feet, and that when they ate they reclined on couches or sofas. It became therefore necessary that the feet should be often washed.