Luke 10:39

39 She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said.

Luke 10:39 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 10:39

And she had a sister called Mary
Which also was a common name with the Jews, and is the same with Miriam; so we read of Mary, the daughter of Nicodemon, the same perhaps with Nicodemus; and the same person that is before called Martha, the daughter of Baithus, is sometimes called Mary, the daughter of Baithus ^F5, though these two names are certainly distinct:

which also sat at Jesus' feet;
was a disciple of his, as well as Martha; for it was usual for disciples, or the scholars of the wise men, to sit at the feet of their masters, to which the allusion is in ( Deuteronomy 33:3 ) , (See Gill on Acts 22:3) The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Coptic versions, read "at the Lord's feet": so Beza's ancient copy, and one of Stephens's; and the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "at our Lord's feet". The phrase is expressive of her great affection for Christ, her humble deportment, and close attention:

and heard his word;
or discourse; for as soon as he entered into the house, he began to preach to those that were in it, and that came along with him, improving every opportunity for the good of souls; and Mary heard him with great eagerness and diligence, affection, pleasure, and profit.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F5 Echa Rabbati, fol. 49. 2.

Luke 10:39 In-Context

37 "The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, "Go and do the same."

38 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home.

39 She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said.

40 But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

41 The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.