The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Pharisee thanks God he's not like "other men," but the startling part is his comparison to "this tax collector." This shows his self-righteousness isn't just about being generally good, but about actively contrasting himself with a specific, despised individual, revealing a heart that elevates itself by demeaning others.
The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is telling a parable to a group of people who were convinced of their own righteousness and looked down on others. The story features two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee, known for his strict adherence to religious law, and a tax collector, who was widely considered a sinner. The Pharisee's prayer, detailed in this verse, immediately sets up the stark contrast with the humble prayer of the tax collector that follows, highlighting Jesus' teaching on true righteousness versus self-deception.
The Pharisee starts his prayer with 'God, I thank you.' But is this genuine gratitude, or something else entirely?
Jesus highlights a critical distinction in the Pharisee's prayer: it's not true thanksgiving. While thanking God for keeping him from sin is good, the Pharisee's prayer is fundamentally about self-congratulation.
The Pharisee's Focus:
True thanksgiving acknowledges God's grace in keeping us from sin, but it's rooted in humility and recognizes our ongoing need for His mercy, not in boasting about our own performance.
Why is the Pharisee's pride so dangerous, even if he seems outwardly religious?
The core issue with the Pharisee is spiritual arrogance, a 'wicked confidence in ourselves' and a 'despising of others.' This pride blinds him to his true spiritual state.
Ask a follow-up
The Twofold Sin:
This arrogance prevents genuine repentance and acceptance with God. It's a subtle but deadly spiritual disease that makes one feel they don't need God's forgiveness, even while outwardly performing religious duties.
Understand the original words
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A member of a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the oral and written Law, often characterized in the New Testament for their outward piety and self-righteousness.
harpax · Greek Adjective/Noun
The act of seizing, robbing, or obtaining something by force or threat; in a biblical context, it denotes a lack of integrity and exploitation of others.
adikos · Greek Adjective
One who acts contrary to what is right or fair; lacking righteousness or moral integrity before God and man.
moichos · Greek Noun
One who commits marital unfaithfulness, which is biblically symbolic of breaking covenant or being unfaithful to God.
telōnēs · Greek Noun
A collector of taxes for the Roman government, typically viewed by Jewish society as a traitor and a collaborator who often extorted his own people.
This parable was spoken during Jesus' ministry when the influence of the Pharisees was at its height, setting up a direct contrast between their outward observance and the heart's true condition, a contrast that would continue to be explored in early Christian writings.
c. 150 BC - AD 70
Rise of the Pharisees
The Pharisee sect emerges, emphasizing strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition. They gain significant popular influence and a reputation for piety and learning.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Judea, often interacting with and criticizing the religious elite, including the Pharisees.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus tells this parable in the context of addressing those who trust in their own righteousness and look down on others, specifically highlighting a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the Temple.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Christianity occur, leading to the spread of the Gospel message.
c. 40-60 AD
New Testament Epistles Written
Apostles like Paul write letters to early churches, often addressing issues of pride, self-righteousness, and true humility in faith.
AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, a catastrophic event that significantly impacts Jewish religious life and practice.
This passage condemns those who boast in the Law but dishonor God through their actions, much like the Pharisee who outwardly appears righteous but inwardly trusts in himself and despises others.
Matthew 23:25-28Jesus directly confronts the Pharisees here, calling them 'whitewashed tombs' that appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness, echoing the Pharisee's superficial righteousness.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's perspective, stating that 'man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart,' directly contrasting with the Pharisee's focus on external actions rather than internal condition.
Proverbs 16:18The proverb 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall' perfectly encapsulates the spiritual downfall awaiting the self-righteous Pharisee in Jesus' parable.
Luke 10:25-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan immediately follows this, illustrating true righteousness through compassion and selfless action, in stark contrast to the Pharisee's self-serving pride and lack of mercy.
calvinLuke 18:9-14: "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"
- And he spoke also this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11. The Pharisee standing [327] prayed these things within himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this…
gillLuke 18:11: "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."
The Pharisee stood,.... Standing was a praying posture; See Gill on Matthew 6:5 nor is this observed, as if it was something amiss: but the sense is, either that he stood in some place of eminence, that he might be seen of others; or he stood in a set, fixed posture, in a very grave and solemn manner, showing great devotion…
The Pharisee thanks God he's not like "other men," but the startling part is his comparison to "this tax collector." This shows his self-righteousness isn't just about being generally good, but about actively contrasting himself with a specific, despised individual, revealing a heart that elevates itself by demeaning others.
Jesus is telling a parable to a group of people who were convinced of their own righteousness and looked down on others. The story features two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee, known for his strict adherence to religious law, and a tax collector, who was widely considered a sinner. The Pharisee's prayer, detailed in this verse, immediately sets up the stark contrast with the humble prayer of the tax collector that follows, highlighting Jesus' teaching on true righteousness versus self-deception.
Jesus is telling a parable to a group of people who were convinced of their own righteousness and looked down on others. The story features two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee, known for his strict adherence to religious law, and a tax collector, who was widely considered a sinner. The Pharisee's prayer, detailed in this verse, immediately sets up the stark contrast with the humble prayer of the tax collector that follows, highlighting Jesus' teaching on true righteousness versus self-deception.
"The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector." — The Pharisee thanks God he's not like "other men," but the startling part is his comparison to "this tax collector." This shows his self-righteousness isn't just about being generally good, but about…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026