Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 7:44

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Luke 7:44

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Luke 7:44

1819–1905
Anglican
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)

Thou gavest me no water for my feet.—There had, then, been no real respect or reverence in the Pharisee’s invitation. It was hardly more than an act of ostentatious patronage. It was honour enough for the carpenter’s son to be admitted into the house.

The acts of courtesy which were due to nearly every guest (Compare to Notes on Matthew 3:11; John 13:5; 1 Timothy 5:10), and which a Rabbi might expect as a matter of course, were, in his judgment, superfluous. Possibly the fact which afterwards drew down the censure of the Pharisees (Mark 7:8) had already become known, and may have influenced Simon. If the new Teacher cared so little about ablutions, why take the trouble to provide them for Him?