Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 7:48

"And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." — Luke 7:48 (ASV)

Your sins are forgiven.—Better, as before, Your sins have been forgiven. These words throw light upon the meaning and force of all such formulas of absolution. It is, perhaps, a matter for regret that any other formula, such as the Absolvo te, which, it should be remembered, dates from the thirteenth century, has ever been substituted for them.

They did not for the first time convey forgiveness. That had been, as the context indicates, sealed and assured before by an unspoken absolution. But they came as words of power from the great Absolver, to banish every lingering doubt or fear, and to confirm every faint and trembling hope that had been kindled in the heart of the penitent. He knew the secrets of her soul, and could therefore affirm, in the fullness of His knowledge, that she fulfilled the conditions of forgiveness. Others, it is clear, can only affirm this in proportion as their insight approximates His.