Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 7:47

"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little." — Luke 7:47 (ASV)

Again the woman is the focal point of the narrative. Surprisingly, Jesus first contrasts her acts of devotion with a lack of special attention on Simon’s part as host. The main point is reached swiftly. Jesus can declare that her sins (which he does not hesitate to say were “many,” showing Simon he did have insight into the woman) have been forgiven, not because of her act of love (v.47), but because of her faith (v.50).

The episode ends with Jesus pronouncing the woman forgiven. Then he becomes the object of another discussion because he presumes to absolve her from her sins (v.49; cf. 5:21). The woman then receives Jesus’ pronouncement of salvation—and a traditional benediction, “Go in peace” (though it now has a deeper meaning for her).