Luke 7:38 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Began to wash his feet with tears,— To water his feet with a shower of tears. Doddridge; who observes that this is the proper signification of the word βρεχειν. See Matthew 5:45. We are not to imagine that this woman came on purpose thus to wash and wipe the feet of Christ; but probably, hearing that the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dinner had neglected the civility usually paid in the eastern countries to such guests as they designed particularly to honour,—that of anointing the head with fragrant oils, or rich perfumes,—she was willing to supply the defect; and as she stood near Jesus, was so melted with his discourse, that she shed such a flood of tears, as wetted his feet which lay bare on the couch, his sandals being put off; and observing this, she wiped them with the tresses of her hair, which she now wore flowing loose about her shoulders, as mourners commonly did; and then, not thinking herself worthy to anoint his head, poured forth the liquid perfume upon his feet. Neither the Jews nor Romans wore stockings; and as for their shoes, or sandals, they always put them off when they lay down on their couches to take meat. These customs are alluded to in the law of the passover, which orders the Jews to depart from their ordinary way, and to eat the passover standing, with their loins girded, their shoes on their feet, and their staff in their hand. See on Exodus 12:11. The word θριξι properly signifies tresses, as we have rendered it. It is well known that long hair was esteemed a great ornament in the female dress; and therefore women of loose character used to nourish and plait it, and to set it off with garlands and jewels. See 1 Corinthians 11:15.