The centurion and the widow
Luke 7:1–17FocusAuthority and compassion
Connection to the wholeHealing at a distance and the raising of the widow's son display Jesus' authority and compassion in different forms of need.
interpretation Luke 7:35
KJVBut wisdom is justified of all her children.
Read it in context
Jesus' Discourse on John the Baptist and 'This Generation'
Start reading at Luke 7:18 (Luke 7:18 to Luke 7:35).
This unit begins with John the Baptist sending his disciples to Jesus, leading to Jesus' commendation of John and His subsequent comparison of 'this generation' to children who reject both John's and His own ministries, concluding with the justification of wisdom.
- 7:18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
- 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
- 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
- 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
- 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
- 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
- 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
- 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
- 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
- 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
- 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
- 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
- 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
- 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
- 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 7:1–7:50): Jesus responds to a centurion's request through messengers, encounters a widow at Nain, answers John's messengers, and speaks with Simon the Pharisee and the woman who anoints Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the justification of God's wisdom by those who accept His messengers and their messages, despite the differing approaches of John the Baptist and Jesus. It highlights the stubbornness of 'this generation' who found fault with both John's asceticism and Jesus' more social approach, contrasting them with 'wisdom's children' who recognize the truth.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that true wisdom is demonstrated by those who respond positively to His truth, whether it comes through John the Baptist's austere preaching or Jesus' more accessible ministry. He reveals the futility of those who reject His counsel regardless of the form it takes.
- What is the literary style? This verse is a proverbial statement concluding a discourse by Jesus, which includes a parable-like comparison of 'this generation' to children in the marketplace.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Luke was written around A.D. 60 to 62. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in this passage occurred between approximately 5 B.C. and A.D. 30. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The specific location of Jesus' discourse is not stated, but the rumor of Jesus' works had spread throughout all Judaea and the surrounding region. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The place where Luke wrote his Gospel is uncertain; it was possibly Caesarea or Rome. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Discourse on John the Baptist and 'This Generation' (Luke 7:18 to Luke 7:35). Start reading at Luke 7:18. This unit begins with John the Baptist sending his disciples to Jesus, leading to Jesus' commendation of John and His subsequent comparison of 'this generation' to children who reject both John's and His own ministries, concluding with the justification of wisdom.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Luke 7:35 serves as the concluding summary of Jesus' discourse comparing John the Baptist and Himself. Jesus illustrates how 'this generation' rejected both John's austere lifestyle and His own more social approach, yet 'wisdom' is ultimately vindicated by those who accept God's truth, regardless of the messenger's method. This sets the stage for the subsequent narrative where a 'sinner' woman demonstrates true wisdom by her faith and love for Jesus, contrasting with the Pharisee's judgment. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus is the embodiment of God's wisdom. The verse implies that despite the criticisms leveled against both John and Jesus, God's wisdom, as manifested in their ministries, is ultimately recognized and affirmed by those who truly belong to God. Those who accept Jesus and His message are 'wisdom's children,' demonstrating true understanding and spiritual discernment. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage encourages believers to recognize and accept God's wisdom as revealed in His word and through His messengers, rather than finding fault with the methods or personalities involved. It calls for discernment and a willingness to be taught by God's truth, demonstrating that true wisdom is shown by obedience and faith, not by critical rejection. interpretation
Cited: Luke 7:17, Luke 7:18-35, Luke 7:24-35, Luke 7:31-34, Luke 7:35
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- But wisdom is justified of all her childr… Luke 7:29 Prov 8:32-36 Prov 17:16 Hos 14:9 Matt 11:19 1 Cor 2:14-15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 7
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusRecognizing God's work
Connection to the wholeJesus answers John's messengers through His works, then contrasts receptive hearers with those who reject both John and Him.
interpretation Forgiveness at Simon's table
Luke 7:36–50FocusLove and received mercy
Connection to the wholeThe woman's actions and Jesus' parable confront Simon's judgment and connect her love with the forgiveness she has received.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.