What does Luke 7:48 mean?

A sinful woman's loving display to Jesus was a sign she has repented. Despite her identity as a "sinner," despite the fact she is most likely ceremonially unclean, she had already been forgiven before she walked through Simon's door (Luke 7:44–47). Here, Jesus is stating what has already happened. The woman's great acts of love are evidence that she is forgiven and knows it. Jesus says the words for the benefit of Simon and the others in the room (Luke 7:49).

Many people in the New Testament were healed without having a conversation with Jesus (Luke 6:19), Peter (Acts 5:14–16), or Paul (Acts 19:11–12). This current story evokes comparison to the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43–48). That woman could have been healed and then snuck away, but Jesus wouldn't let her. He stopped the crowd so that He could see her face, tell her He loved her, praise her faith, and announce to the crowd that she is now clean.

Jesus' words here are similar. Simon has already dismissed the woman as a sinner (Luke 7:39). We don't know what that means, but she has a bad reputation in town. Jesus now announces what had already taken place: her sins are forgiven. She wears righteousness as a gift of God not earned by deeds (Ephesians 2:8–9), like those Simon has devoted his life to (Romans 3:20).

The guests at the banquet are shocked when Jesus announces that her sins are forgiven (Luke 7:49). He adds: "Your faith has saved you" (Luke 7:50). She already knows this; it's why she's there. But to hear Jesus say it in a room filled with judgmental men makes any disgrace they may throw her way completely meaningless.