You gave me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in has not ceased to kiss my feet.
gavest.
Genesis 29:11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
Genesis 33:4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.
2 Samuel 15:5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
this.
but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived
The woman's continuous kissing of Jesus' feet is an extraordinary act of humility and devotion. In biblical times, feet were considered the dirtiest part of the body due to the dusty roads and open sandals. Her actions demonstrate a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and her own repentance and gratitude. This act of worship parallels other instances in the Gospels where individuals show deep reverence for Jesus, such as Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus' feet with perfume (John 12:3). The woman's actions fulfill the prophetic imagery of Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of the beauty of feet that bring good news, symbolizing her recognition of Jesus as the bearer of salvation.
• In first-century Jewish culture a kiss of greeting was a tangible sign of honor, friendship, and welcome (see Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14).
• By omitting that simple courtesy, Simon the Pharisee silently declared that Jesus was, at best, an ordinary guest—or worse, an unwelcome one.
• The Lord’s words expose Simon’s heart: a lack of love always shows itself in withheld actions (compare 1 John 3:18).
• Jesus’ statement is not a mere social critique; it is a moral indictment. Honor owed to the Messiah was withheld, revealing unbelief.
• The woman, widely known as a sinner, does what Simon refused to do, but with far greater intensity. Her kisses land not on Jesus’ cheek but on His feet, the place of deepest humility (echoed later in John 12:3 when Mary wipes His feet with her hair).
• Her continual action (“has not stopped”) shows an overflowing, grateful love springing from forgiven sin (Luke 7:47).
• This contrast teaches that true repentance produces visible fruit; love for Christ cannot stay hidden (see 2 Corinthians 5:14–15).
• While Simon debates worthiness, the woman demonstrates it: honoring the Lord with affection, submission, and persistence.
• From the moment Jesus crossed Simon’s threshold, two responses formed side by side: cold formality versus warm devotion.
• The timing underscores how quickly genuine faith acts. The woman seized the opportunity without delay—much like the healed leper who “returned, glorifying God with a loud voice” (Luke 17:15).
• Jesus notices every neglected courtesy and every offered act of worship. Nothing escapes His gaze (Hebrews 4:13).
• The phrase also hints at the coming judgment: there is a window to honor Christ, and it closes when He moves on.
Luke 7:45 contrasts the icy indifference of a self-righteous host with the fervent affection of a forgiven sinner. The withheld kiss unmasks a heart untouched by grace; the unceasing kisses reveal a soul set free. Scripture invites us to stand with the woman—lavishing honor on Jesus now, without hesitation, because those who are forgiven much love much, and their love is never unnoticed by the Savior.
(45) Thou gavest me no kiss.--This also, as we see in the case of Judas (see Note on Matthew 26:49), was a customary mark of respect to one who claimed the character of a Rabbi. So the disciples of Ephesus kissed St. Paul on parting (Acts 20:37). So the "holy kiss," the "kiss of peace," became part of the ritual of most of the ancient Liturgies (Romans 16:16; 1Corinthians 16:20).Verse 45. - Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. "Thou gavest me no kiss of respect on entering, to which as a Rabbi I was surely entitled; she hath repeatedly kissed my feet."