Luke 10:40
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 come up, she said, "Lord, is it not concerning to You that my sister has left me alone to serve? Therefore speak to her, 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.”

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."

Majority 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!”

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."

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 Version
and 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 come up, she said, "Lord, is it not concerning to You that my sister has left me alone to serve? Therefore speak to her, 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 Bible
But 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 Bible
But 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 Testament
But 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
John 11:20-21
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.

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,

John 11:32
When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

John 11:28-29
After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” / And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.

John 11:1-3
At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. / (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) / So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

John 11:39-40
“Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” / Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Matthew 6:31-34
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. ...

1 Corinthians 7:32-35
I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. ...


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 Work
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Alone Assist Bid Busy Care Distracted Full Hands Help House Leaving Martha Master Meanwhile Partake Preparations Serve Serving Sir Sister Speak Stood Table Waiting Work
Luke 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
The name "Martha" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "lady" or "mistress." Martha is often seen as a symbol of service and hospitality, reflecting the cultural expectations of women in first-century Judea. Her role in the household was significant, as she was responsible for the care and management of the home. This highlights the importance of hospitality in Jewish culture, where welcoming guests was a sacred duty.

was distracted
The Greek word used here is "periespato," which conveys the idea of being pulled or dragged in different directions. This suggests that Martha's attention was divided, indicating a state of inner turmoil and anxiety. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a caution against allowing worldly concerns to overshadow spiritual priorities.

by all the preparations
The phrase "all the preparations" refers to the tasks associated with hosting and serving guests. In the context of Jewish customs, this would include preparing food, ensuring the comfort of guests, and maintaining the household. This reflects the cultural emphasis on hospitality and the pressure Martha felt to fulfill these societal expectations.

to be made
This phrase underscores the necessity and urgency Martha felt in completing her tasks. It highlights the tension between the demands of daily life and the call to spiritual attentiveness. The phrase invites reflection on the balance between action and contemplation in the Christian life.

She came to Jesus
Martha's approach to Jesus signifies her recognition of His authority and her desire for His intervention. It reflects a personal relationship with Jesus, where she feels comfortable expressing her concerns. This act of coming to Jesus is a model for believers to bring their burdens and anxieties to Him in prayer.

and said, 'Lord, do You not care
The title "Lord" acknowledges Jesus' divine authority and power. Martha's question, "do You not care," reveals her frustration and sense of being overwhelmed. It is a poignant reminder of human vulnerability and the tendency to doubt God's concern in times of stress.

that my sister has left me
This phrase indicates a sense of abandonment and highlights the relational dynamics between Martha and her sister, Mary. It reflects the human experience of feeling unsupported and the desire for shared responsibility. In a broader sense, it speaks to the need for community and mutual support within the body of Christ.

to serve alone?
The word "serve" is derived from the Greek "diakonein," which means to minister or attend to the needs of others. This reflects the Christian call to service, yet Martha's emphasis on "alone" underscores her isolation and the burden she feels. It serves as a reminder of the importance of serving with a joyful heart and the dangers of resentment in ministry.

Tell her to help me!'
Martha's request for Jesus to intervene suggests her belief in His authority to resolve conflicts. It also reveals her desire for fairness and assistance. This plea can be seen as a call for balance between service and spiritual nourishment, encouraging believers to seek Jesus' guidance in prioritizing their lives.

(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
But
δὲ (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.


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NT Gospels: Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 10:39
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