The Sinful Woman (who anointed Jesus)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Not given in the text; she is identified only as “a woman of the city, who was a sinner” (Greek: hamartōlos, “sinner”).
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context, during Jesus’ Galilean ministry).
• Main References: Luke 7:36–50.
• Key Connections: Jesus; Simon the Pharisee (host); unnamed dinner guests who witnessed the event.

Who was The Sinful Woman (who anointed Jesus)?

She was an unnamed woman known publicly for a sinful reputation in the city where Jesus was dining.
She entered a Pharisee’s house uninvited and approached Jesus with costly ointment.
Her actions are presented as humble devotion, and Jesus publicly declared her forgiven.
Luke highlights her faith as central to Jesus’ final words to her.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Entered Simon the Pharisee’s house during a meal and stood behind Jesus at his feet (Luke 7:36–38).
• Event 2: Wept, wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair, kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment (Luke 7:38).
• Event 3: Received Jesus’ public declaration of forgiveness and dismissal in peace (Luke 7:48–50).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Her account portrays faith expressed through humble devotion to Jesus within the social and religious tensions of the Second Temple Period.

Key Verse

"And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”" — Luke 7:50, NIV