The “sinful” woman of Luke 7:36-50: an exploration of her actions in light of ancient bathing and anointing practices

Reed, Lily ORCID: 0009-0000-5780-5764 (2024). The “sinful” woman of Luke 7:36-50: an exploration of her actions in light of ancient bathing and anointing practices. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

In this thesis, I suggest that scholarship has not exhausted the ways in which we can understand the woman’s actions in Luke 7:36-50. Whilst traditional readings have long understood her actions to signify either gratitude or repentance, less attention has been paid to what her self-abasing actions tell us about her lived reality. I contend that the woman’s actions are reminiscent, if not representative, of the work carried out by enslaved bathhouse workers. Her actions of bathing and anointing towards Jesus, therefore, can be understood more fully in the context of ancient bathing and anointing practices. Commentaries since the Early Church Fathers have identified the woman as a sex worker, yet, even today, these discussions are still widely concerned with the immorality of such work. Whilst I concede that Luke’s description of the woman indicates her identity as that of an enslaved sex worker, my primary interest lies with the impact such a position would have had on her life experiences. I dedicate substantial discussion to the experiences of sex workers within the ancient bathhouse setting, and subsequently, how we can understand the woman’s actions against this context.
Through a focus on the woman’s use of her body as an object, I will suggest that we can understand her actions more fully as an indication of her internalised servility, or conversely a rebellion against her enslaved status. I will also propose that her actions reflect the humanising practice of washing amongst sex workers which constituted an act of self-care. Fundamental, however, is the absolute care and love her actions display towards Jesus, and crucially his receptiveness to them. Moreover, I suggest that Luke’s presentation of Jesus and the woman stands in contrast to, and even actively opposes, the prevailing understanding of the immorality of sex work, specifically that of Paul’s 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This thesis aims to offer a more empathetic and intersectional approach to the woman, her actions, and her lived reality through the application of a feminist, social history methodology.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):