Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” New Living Translation But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” English Standard Version But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Berean Standard Bible But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” Berean Literal Bible But Martha was distracted about much service; and having stood, she said, “Lord, is it not concerning to You that my sister left me alone to serve? Therefore speak to her so that she might help me!” King James Bible But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. New King James Version But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” New American Standard Bible But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” NASB 1995 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” NASB 1977 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” Legacy Standard Bible But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the preparations alone? Then tell her to help me.” Amplified Bible But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.” Berean Annotated Bible But Martha (the lady) was distracted by all the preparations to be made {diakonian}. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord {Kyrie}, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me! Christian Standard Bible But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” American Standard Version But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Contemporary English Version Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" English Revised Version But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Martha was upset about all the work she had to do. So she asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work all by myself? Tell her to help me." Good News Translation Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" International Standard Version But Martha was worrying about all the things she had to do, so she came to him and asked, "Lord, you do care that my sister has left me to do the work all by myself, don't you? Then tell her to help me." NET Bible But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me." New Heart English Bible But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me." Webster's Bible Translation But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Weymouth New Testament Martha meanwhile was busy and distracted in waiting at table, and she came and said, "Master, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do all the waiting? Tell her to assist me." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” World English Bible But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Martha was distracted about much serving, and having stood by Him, she said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister left me alone to serve? Say then to her that she may partake along with me.” Berean Literal Bible But Martha was distracted about much service; and having stood, she said, “Lord, is it not concerning to You that my sister left me alone to serve? Therefore speak to her so that she might help me!” Young's Literal Translation and Martha was distracted about much serving, and having stood by him, she said, 'Sir, dost thou not care that my sister left me alone to serve? say then to her, that she may partake along with me.' Smith's Literal Translation And Martha was perplexed about much service, and having stood before, said, Lord, carest thou not that my sister left me to serve alone? Speak therefore to her that she may lay hold and assist with me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me. Catholic Public Domain Version Now Martha was continually busying herself with serving. And she stood still and said: “Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, speak to her, so that she may help me.” New American Bible Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” New Revised Standard Version But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Martha was busy with many household cares, and she came and said to him, My Lord, you do not seem to care that my sister has left me to serve alone? tell her to help me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Martha was busy with serving many things and she came and said to him, “My lord, does it not concern you that my sister has left me alone to serve? Tell her to help me.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut Martha made herself busy with much serving; and she came to him, and said: Lord, dost thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Bid her, therefore, that she help me. Godbey New Testament and Martha was very busy about much serving. And standing over Him, she said, Lord, is there no care to thee that my sister has left me to serve alone? then say to her that she must assist me. Haweis New Testament But Martha was hurrying about to provide a large entertainment, and coming up to him, she said, Lord, is it no concern to thee, that my sister hath left me to make the whole provision by myself? bid her therefore to assist me. Mace New Testament but Martha perplex'd with the hurry of her affairs, came to him, and said, Lord, don't you observe my sister has left me to serve all alone: direct her therefore to give me some assistance. Weymouth New Testament Martha meanwhile was busy and distracted in waiting at table, and she came and said, "Master, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do all the waiting? Tell her to assist me." Worrell New Testament But Martha was being distracted about much serving; and, coming up suddenly, she said, "Lord, carest Thou not that my sister left me to serve alone? Speak to her, therefore, that she assist me!" Worsley New Testament But Martha, being perplexed about much serving, came to Him and said, Lord, dost thou not regard it, that my sister has left me to serve alone? speak to her therefore that she may help me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Martha and Mary…39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” 41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things.… Cross References But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. 2 Timothy 2:4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. 1 Corinthians 7:35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but in order to promote proper decorum and undivided devotion to the Lord. Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. She came to Jesus and said, John 11:20-22 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home. / Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. / But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.” Matthew 15:22-23 And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” Matthew 8:5-6 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Mark 4:38 But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” 2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. / But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Tell her to help me!” Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Exodus 18:22 Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. Acts 6:2-4 So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them / and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” John 12:2 So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Mark 10:40-42 But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” / When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. / So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. Matthew 20:20-21 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. / “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” John 11:5-6 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. / So on hearing that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two days, Treasury of Scripture But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. cumbered. Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. dost. Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Mark 3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. my. Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Jonah 4:1-4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry… Jump to Previous Alone Assist Bid Busy Care Distracted Full Hands Help House Leaving Martha Master Meanwhile Partake Preparations Serve Serving Sir Sister Speak Stood Table Waiting WorkJump to Next Alone Assist Bid Busy Care Distracted Full Hands Help House Leaving Martha Master Meanwhile Partake Preparations Serve Serving Sir Sister Speak Stood Table Waiting WorkLuke 10 1. Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach;13. pronounces a woe against certain cities. 17. The seventy return with joy; 18. he shows them wherein to rejoice, 21. and thanks his Father for his grace; 23. magnifies the happy estate of his church; 25. teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life, 30. and tells the parable of the good Samaritan; 38. reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. Martha's distraction highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in first-century Jewish society, where hosting guests was a significant duty, especially for women. The Greek word for "distracted" suggests being pulled in different directions, indicating Martha's internal struggle. This scene takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, which was a common stop for Jesus. The preparations likely involved food and accommodations, reflecting the customs of the time. Martha's focus on service, while commendable, contrasts with the spiritual focus Jesus often emphasized, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:33, where seeking God's kingdom is prioritized. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” Persons / Places / Events 1. MarthaA resident of Bethany and sister to Mary and Lazarus. Known for her hospitality and service, she is often seen as a symbol of active service in the Christian life. 2. Mary Martha's sister, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching, representing a contemplative and worshipful approach to faith. 3. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and actions are the foundation of Christian faith. In this passage, He is visiting Martha and Mary’s home. 4. Bethany A village near Jerusalem, known as the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. It serves as a setting for several key events in Jesus' ministry. 5. The Event Jesus visiting Martha and Mary, where Martha is preoccupied with serving, while Mary chooses to listen to Jesus. Teaching Points The Danger of DistractionMartha's distraction by her tasks serves as a warning against allowing busyness to overshadow our relationship with Christ. We must prioritize time with Jesus over our to-do lists. Balance Between Service and Worship While service is important, it should not come at the expense of our spiritual growth and communion with God. Both service and worship are essential aspects of a healthy Christian life. Jesus' Care and Understanding Martha's question, "Lord, do You not care?" reflects a common human concern. Jesus' response shows His understanding and care for our struggles, encouraging us to bring our concerns to Him. Choosing the Better Part Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus' feet is commended as choosing "the better part." This teaches us the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment and learning from Christ. Hospitality and Heart Attitude While hospitality is a virtue, it should be practiced with a heart focused on Christ, not merely on the tasks at hand. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 10:40?2. How does Martha's complaint in Luke 10:40 reflect our own distractions today? 3. What does Martha's approach to Jesus reveal about her understanding of His role? 4. How can we balance service and devotion, as seen in Luke 10:40? 5. Compare Martha's attitude in Luke 10:40 with Philippians 4:6 on anxiety. 6. How can we prioritize Jesus' presence over tasks in our daily lives? 7. Why did Martha feel overwhelmed with serving in Luke 10:40? 8. How does Luke 10:40 challenge our understanding of service versus worship? 9. What cultural norms influenced Martha's actions in Luke 10:40? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 10? 11. How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus? 12. What is the number of Marys in the Bible? 13. Who was Martha in the Bible? 14. Why does Luke 18:35 say Jesus was approaching Jericho when Mark 10:46 states he was leaving it--could this be a historical or geographical mistake? What Does Luke 10:40 Mean But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be madeMartha’s service is commendable, yet Scripture points out that she was “distracted.” The word paints a picture of being pulled away from something more important—namely, fellowship with Christ. • The cares of life can choke spiritual fruit (Mark 4:19). • God desires “undistracted devotion” (1 Corinthians 7:35). • Work done “for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23) still loses value if it keeps the heart from the Lord. The verse reminds believers to place worship before work, letting activity flow from relationship rather than replace it. She came to Jesus To her credit, Martha brings her frustration to the right Person. Jesus invites the weary to approach Him (Matthew 11:28) and urges believers to “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Even imperfect prayers are welcome; the problem is not where she goes but what she says next. Lord, do You not care This echo of the disciples’ cry in the storm (Mark 4:38) exposes a common temptation—doubting God’s concern when life feels unfair. Scripture affirms the opposite: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The question reveals more about Martha’s heart than about the Lord’s character. that my sister has left me to serve alone? Martha interprets Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39) as abandonment. Comparison breeds resentment: • “Each one should examine his own work” (Galatians 6:4-5) rather than another’s. • God assigns differing roles, yet “the same Lord” values them all (1 Corinthians 12:5). Self-pity blinds Martha to Mary’s act of worship and to her own opportunity for the same. Tell her to help me! Martha moves from questioning Jesus’ care to instructing Him. Instead of “Your will be done” (Luke 22:42), she presses her agenda. Scripture cautions against prayers aimed at getting God to rubber-stamp our plans (James 4:3). The Lord will answer, but His gentle correction (v. 41-42) shows that Martha needs perspective more than assistance. summary Luke 10:40 shows a sincere believer pulled off-center by busyness. Service became distraction, questions turned to doubt, and frustration morphed into presumption. The verse invites modern disciples to: • Keep devotion to Christ first. • Bring every burden to Him, trusting His care. • Refuse comparison and self-pity. • Submit requests with a heart yielded to His will. In doing so, we choose the “better part” that can never be taken away. (40) Martha was cumbered.--Literally, was distracted; drawn hither and thither by conflicting cares.About much serving.--We may probably infer from this that our Lord had been invited as an honoured guest, and that Mary had been asked to meet Him; and, so far, the narrative agrees with what is suggested by the narrative of John 11 as to the social position of the household at Bethany. The use of a like word in Luke 12:42 suggests that this also may have passed from the abstract to the concrete sense, and have been used for a household of many servants as well as for the act of serving. Came to him.--The Greek word implies something like a hasty movement to interrupt the calm tenor of the Lord's discourse. The hasty vehement complaint that follows is quite in keeping with this. That she help me.--More literally, that she join in helping. Verse 40. - Came to him. Dr. Farrar very happily seizes the tone and temper of Martha. He renders the Greek words here, "but suddenly coming up." We see in this inimitable touch the little petulant outburst of jealousy in the loving, busy matron, as she hurried in with the words, "Why is Mary sitting there doing nothing?" Bid her therefore that she help me. "We almost seem to hear the undertone of 'It is no use for me to tell her.' Doubtless, had she been less' fretted,' she would have felt that to leave her (Martha) alone and withdraw into the background while this eager hospitality was going on, was the kindest and most unselfish thing which Mary could do."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. Martha Μάρθα (Martha) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3136: Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. Probably of Chaldee origin; Martha, a Christian woman. was distracted περιεσπᾶτο (periespato) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4049: To distract, trouble greatly. From peri and spao; to drag all around, i.e. to distract. by all the περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. preparations [to be made]. διακονίαν (diakonian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service. She came to [Jesus] ἐπιστᾶσα (epistasa) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2186: To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present. [and] said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Lord, Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. do You not care μέλει (melei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3199: It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. sister ἀδελφή (adelphē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 79: A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister. has left κατέλειπεν (kateleipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2641: From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. to serve διακονεῖν (diakonein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon. alone? μόνην (monēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere. Tell εἰπὲ (eipe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. her αὐτῇ (autē) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. help συναντιλάβηται (synantilabētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4878: From sun and antilambanomai; to take hold of opposite together, i.e. Co-operate. me!” μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Links Luke 10:40 NIVLuke 10:40 NLT Luke 10:40 ESV Luke 10:40 NASB Luke 10:40 KJV Luke 10:40 BibleApps.com Luke 10:40 Biblia Paralela Luke 10:40 Chinese Bible Luke 10:40 French Bible Luke 10:40 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke Lu Lk) |
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