Luke 10:42
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Study Note
Study Note
'But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her' — Jesus's resolution of the Martha/Mary tension privileges contemplative attention to his teaching over anxious service, though the verse should not be read as a general denigration of hospitality. The 'one thing' (hen de estin chreia) is semantically ambiguous — the single dish sufficient for hospitality, or the single necessity of focused attention to Jesus — but the permanent nature of Mary's choice ('shall not be taken away') indicates eschatological value. Christian mystical tradition from Origen through Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas has used this verse to establish the contemplative life's priority while maintaining a proper integration of action and prayer.
Other Translations
but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
but of one thing there is need, and Mary the good part did choose, that shall not be taken away from her.'
Little is needed, or even one thing only: for Mary has taken that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
Cross References
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, …
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether …
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve …
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house …
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.