Bible Strands
Luke 10:40
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 Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Martha speaks to Jesus while preparing food, complaining that her sister Mary has left her to serve alone. This exchange occurs immediately after Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to His teaching.
The words — The Greek verb περιεσπᾶτο (periespatō) literally means “was being pulled around” or “was distracted.” It describes Martha’s divided attention amid her many preparations (πολλὴν διακονίαν).
The thread — This tension between anxious service and attentive listening echoes Jesus’ warning in Luke 12:29 not to be concerned about food and drink, and His call in John 6:27 to labor for enduring food rather than perishable tasks.
Why it lands — The text records Martha’s complaint before Jesus addresses her underlying anxiety. It requires the reader to examine whether their service stems from attentiveness to Christ or from self-driven worry.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
- Luke 12:29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.
- Matthew 16:22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
- Jonah 4:1 Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry.
- Matthew 14:15 When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
- Mark 3:21 When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.”
- Luke 9:55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.