Luke 10:39

10:39 Mary . . . sat at the Lord’s feet in the position of a disciple (cp. Acts 22:3). Rabbis did not usually have female disciples.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Luk 10:39. Ἀδελφὴ, a sister) a younger sister as is probable, and as it were a domestic virgin [free from all care of the household]. Martha stood in the position of matron of the household; Joh 12:2-3. [The author, in the Harm., pp. 392, 393, is of opinion that the Saviour was not at Bethany at this time,[102] and that Martha of Bethany did not possess at the same time a house in Galilee as well as in Bethany (Joh 11:1; Joh 12:2); and that therefore the pair of sisters bearing the same names (ὁμωνύμων) is different in Luke from the pair mentioned in the passages of John already quoted.] Comp. 1Co 7:32-33.—παρακαθίσασα, sitting down close to Him) So absolutely, ἐκαθέζετο, sat, Joh 11:20. The antithetic word is περιεσπᾶτο, was distracted or cumbered.

[102] It is called “a certain village,” and seems to have been in Galilee, not Judea.—ED. and TRANSL.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk_10:39-40. Τῇδε] This word usually refers to what follows, but here in a vividly realizing manner it points to what has gone before, as sometimes also occurs in the classical writers. See Bernhardy, p. 278; Kühner, ad Xen. Mem. i. 2. 3, iii. 3. 12.

ἣ καί] καί is not: even (Bornemann), which would have no reference to explain it in the context; but: moreover, bringing into prominence the fact that Mary, besides whatever else she did in her mind after the coming of Jesus, moreover seated herself at His feet, etc. See Klotz, ad Devar. p. 636.

The form παρακαθεσθεῖσα] (see the critical remarks), from παρακαθέζομαι, to sit down near to, belongs to later Greek. Joseph. Antt. vi. 11. 9.

Mary sits there as a learner (Act_22:3), not as a companion at table (at the right of Jesus, where His outstretched feet were), as Paulus and Kuinoel will have it (women sat at table; see Wetstein in loc). For the text as yet says nothing of the meal, but only of the hospitable reception in general (Luk_10:38), and, moreover, Luk_10:40 alludes generally to the attendance on and entertainment of the honoured and beloved Guest, wherein Martha was exhausting her hospitality. There is no trace of any reclining at table; the context in κ. ἤκουε τ. λόγ. αὐτ. points only to the idea of the female disciple.

περισπᾶσθαι, in the sense of the being withdrawn from attention and solicitude by reason of occupations, belongs to later Greek. See Lobeck, ad Phryn. p. 415. Comp. Plut. Mor. p. 517 C: περισπασμὸς κ. μεθολκὴ τῆς πολυπραγμοσύνης. The expression περί τι, about something, connected with verbs of being busied, of taking trouble, and the like, is also very frequent in Greek writers.

κατέλιπε] reliquit; she had therefore gone away from what she was doing, and had placed herself at the feet of Jesus.

ἵνα] therefore speak to her in order that. Comp. on Mat_4:3.

As to συναντιλαμβάνεσθαί τινι, to give a hand with anybody, i.e. to help anybody, comp. on Rom_8:26.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk 10:39 . Μαρία , socially subordinate (inferrible from the manner of reference), though the spiritual heroine of the tale. ἣ καὶ : the force of the καὶ is not clear, and has been variously explained. Grotius regards it as simply an otiose addition to the relative. Bornemann takes it = adeo = to such an extent did Mary disregard the customary duty of women, that of serving guests, “quem morem adeo non observat M. ut docenti Jesu auscultet”. Perhaps it has something of the force of δή = who, observe! serving to counterbalance the social subordination of Mary; the less important person in the house , but the more important in the Kingdom of God . παρακαθεσθεῖσα , first aorist passive participle, from παρακαθέζομαι , late Greek form = sitting at the feet of Jesus. Posture noted as significant of a receptive mind and devoted spirit. τοῦ Κυρίου , the Lord, once more for Jesus in narrative ( Ἰησοῦ in T. R.). ἤκουε τὸν λόγον α ., continued hearing His word, a conventional expression as in Luk 8:21 .

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

which also--"who for her part," in contrast with Martha.

sat--"seated herself." From the custom of sitting beneath an instructor, the phrase "sitting at one's feet" came to mean being a disciple of any one (Act 22:3).

heard--rather, "kept listening" to His word.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 39. Sat at Jesus' feet] This was the posture of the Jewish scholars, while listening to the instructions of the rabbins. It is in this sense that St. Paul says he was brought up at the FEET of Gamaliel, Ac 22:3.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(39) A sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet.—The better MSS. give, “at the Lord’s feet.” Few readers can fail to notice the identity of character here and in the entirely independent narratives of John 11, 12. There also Martha is active (Joh_11:20) and conspicuous in serving (Joh_12:2); Mary, meditative and emotional, pouring her whole soul into one act of love (Joh_11:31; Joh_12:3).

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

39. which also sat at Jesus’ feet] The “also” shews that Mary too, in her way, was no less anxious to give Jesus a fitting reception. Here, in one or two lines, we have a most clear sketch of the contrasted character of the two sisters, far too subtly and indirectly accordant with what we learn of them in St John to be due to anything but the harmony of truth. This is one of the incidents in which the Evangelist shews such consummate psychologic skill and insight that he is enabled by a few touches to set before us the most distinct types of character.

and heard his word] Rather, was listening to His discourse.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving,.... "Or was drawn off", from hearing the word, from attending on Christ; being taken up in providing for him, and those that came with him; in dressing food, or in ordering her servants, how she would have every thing done, and in overlooking them, that every thing was done in proper order; so that she had a great deal of business upon her head and hands, which distracted her thoughts, or took them off of divine things, and put her in great hurry and concern. The Ethiopic version renders it, "Martha laboured in preparing many things for him"; making a large and sumptuous entertainment: and the Persic version, which is rather a comment than a translation, renders it, "Martha was busied in preparing food, and making a feast": sparing no cost nor pains, thinking nothing too good, nor too grand, for such a guest she had in her house:

and she came to him and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? she came to him; that is, to Jesus, as the Persic version expresses it: she came out of the room where she was getting ready the entertainment, into the room where Christ was preaching; and, as the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "she stood and said": she did not sit down at his feet, as Mary did, to hear his word, but stood as about to go away again, after she had said what she came about: she did not think fit to speak to Mary herself, though perhaps she might do that first; who, showing an unwillingness to go with her, she therefore applies to Christ, as believing that he would, with her, look upon it as a very reasonable thing that she should take her part with her; and that a word from him would go a great way with her sister. And she seems to speak, not only by way of complaint of Mary, who had left her to prepare and serve up this entertainment alone; but even of Christ himself, in some sort, as if he had not showed that care and concern in this matter, which she thought was necessary. However, she was willing to have his sense of her sister's conduct, and hoped, and even doubted not, but that he would be of the same mind with herself:

bid her therefore that she help me; that she join, assist, and put an helping hand in this service; speak but a word to her, give her orders, and she will observe and obey.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

Ver. 39. Sat at Jesus’ feet] As his disciples, Act 22:3. So the children of the prophets of old, whence that expression, "Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today?" 2Ki 2:3.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Sat at Jesus’ feet - This was the ancient posture of disciples or learners. They sat at the “feet” of their teachers - that is, beneath them, in a humble place. Hence, Paul is represented as having been brought up at the “feet” of Gamaliel, Act 22:3. When it is said that Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, it means that she was “a disciple” of his; that she listened attentively to his instructions, and was anxious to learn his doctrine.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

39. A sister called Mary—We have met this sister and noted her before in our comment on Mat_26:1-16. Twice is this Mary rebuked, and twice vindicated by her Saviour. Once the rebuke is among the twelve, and here by her own sister. In both cases the rebuke is for an act of devout love to him as Lord and Redeemer. And in the last instance a eulogy is pronounced commemorating her name and deed forever.

Sat at Jesus’ feet—As her divine teacher and rabbi. So young Saul sat at Gamaliel’s feet. Act_22:23. The rabbi’s seat was high above the disciple’s; so that the disciple was at his feet. The Jewish proverb was, “The disciples must soil themselves with the dust of the feet of the doctors.”

Heard his word—In our note on Mat_26:12, we note the fact that Jesus seems to impute to Mary a clearer knowledge of his approaching death than even his disciples had attained. May not this have been the time of his imparting to her that knowledge, and may not the solemn sacrifice of the atonement have been the absorbing Subject of this present converse?

No wonder, then, that she should less regard the cares of the house than her more responsible sister.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Observe, 1. Both these sisters were holy and devout women, both had an honor and reverence for Christ, and both are forward to entertain him; these were sisters by grace as well as by nature; yea they both for a time attended upon Christ’s preaching. Mary (also) sat at Jesus’ feet, implying that Martha sat there too, until household occasions called her away.

Oh how happy is that family, where all parties are agreed to receive and entertain the Lord Jesus Christ!

Observe, 2. No sooner is Christ entered into Martha’s house, but he falls a preaching; while they provide bodily food for him, he prepares spiritual bread for them.

Oh that in our place and measure we might all imitate Christ in this: can we come into any house or company, and find nothing to say or do for God?

Observe, 3. The holy and humble deportment of Mary upon this occasion: She sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his words. When Christ was speaking, Mary was hearing, and little things could not take her off.

Lord, how carefully should we take the present opportunity for our souls, to hear and learn of thee, as Mary did. She was not sure of another opportunity, therefore hears humbly, attentively, and affectionately, as if it were her last hearing season.

William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

39. Sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. Martha seems to have been mistress of the house. Her thought was to entertain the Lord; Mary's to hear his word; both commendable; the latter, best.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

39. ἣ καὶ παρακαθεσθεῖσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας τοῦ κυρίου. The “also” shews that Mary too, in her way, was no less anxious to give Jesus a fitting reception. Here, in one or two lines, we have a most clear sketch of the contrasted character of the two sisters, far too subtly and indirectly accordant with what we learn of them in St John to be due to anything but the harmony of truth. This is one of the incidents in which the Evangelist shews such consummate psychologic skill and insight that he is enabled by a few touches to set before us the most distinct types of character.

ἤκουεν τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ. ‘Was listening to His discourse.’

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

39.] It does not appear that the meal had begun; far rather is it likely that Martha was busy about preparing it. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, as His disciple, while He was discoursing.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

39. ἣ καὶ παρακαθεσθεῖσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας. The καὶ can hardly be “even,” and the meaning “also” is not clear. Perhaps “Martha gave Him a welcome, and Mary also expressed her devotion in her own way,” is the kind of thought; or, “Mary joined in the welcome, and also sat at His feet.” The meal has not yet begun, for Martha is preparing it; and Mary is not sitting at table with Him, but at His feet as His disciple (Act 22:3). For τοῦ Κυρίου see on 5:17 and 7:13. The verb is class., but the 1 aor. part. is late Greek (Jos. Ant. vi. 11, 9). Note the imperf. ἤκουεν: she continued to listen. Comp. 1Co 7:35.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Sat [παρακαθεσθεισα] . Only here in New Testament. Lit., sat beside [παρα] .

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.