7:37 a sinner. Probably this implies she had been a prostitute, and many have assumed it was Mary Magdalene. This is unlikely, however, for Luke does not identify her, whereas Mary Magdalene is clearly identified just a few verses further on (Luke 8:2), and apparently was a woman of some substance (Luke 8:3).

7:37 alabaster box of ointment. This event took place in Galilee, fairly early in Jesus’ ministry. Some time later, during the last days of His ministry on earth, Mary of Bethany (near Jerusalem), a devoted follower of Jesus, performed a similar act of devotion (John 12:3). It may well be that Mary had heard of the earlier act by the formerly sinful woman, and felt that she should do the same. See also note on Matthew 26:12.

7:38 weeping. Whoever this was, she had somewhere encountered Jesus, had turned to Him in faith (Luke 7:50), and He had forgiven her sins (Luke 7:48). In gratitude and love, she boldly entered the Pharisee’s home to thank Him in the best way she could think of, and the Lord accepted it.

7:38 with tears. “Tear bottles” have been found among the artifacts from ancient Israel, in which their owners would collect and keep their tears. This woman had apparently spent many nights weeping over her sins and seemingly hopeless life, thus collecting enough tears actually to bathe the feet of Jesus in gratitude for forgiveness and salvation. See note on Psalm 56:8.