Luke 18:11-12
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. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Pharisee begins by thanking God, but his focus isn't truly on God's goodness, but rather on his own perceived superiority over others, particularly the tax collector. This highlights how even religious acts can become a performance of self-congratulation rather than genuine humility and dependence on God.
Jesus tells this parable to people who wrongly believe they are righteous and look down on others. The story contrasts a proud Pharisee's prayer with that of a humble tax collector, highlighting Jesus' teaching that true righteousness is found in humility and reliance on God's mercy, not self-righteousness.
This Pharisee begins his prayer with 'God, I thank you.' But what exactly is he thanking God for? It's not a prayer of humble confession, but a boast disguised as gratitude.
The Pharisee's prayer in Luke 18:11 is a prime example of how gratitude can be twisted into self-congratulation. He thanks God, not for God's grace transforming him, but for the absence of sin in his life compared to others.
A Prayer Focused Inward
This prayer reveals a deep-seated pride, where his righteousness is measured against the perceived failures of others, rather than against God's perfect standard.
The Pharisee's prayer isn't just about his own piety; it's also about how he views everyone else. His spiritual pride creates a harsh dividing line.
A dangerous byproduct of self-righteousness is the tendency to look down on others, creating an 'us vs. them' mentality. The Pharisee exemplifies this by explicitly contrasting himself with the tax collector and 'other men.'
Judging Others from a Perch
This separation prevents genuine connection and empathy, keeping him from recognizing the shared human condition of needing God's grace. True righteousness leads to humility and compassion, not disdain.
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.
This parable, told during Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, critiques the self-righteousness prevalent among some religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, who often contrasted sharply with the perceived sinfulness of tax collectors.
c. 200 BC - AD 70
Rise of the Pharisees
The Pharisee movement gained prominence, emphasizing strict adherence to Jewish law, both written and oral. They became influential figures in Jewish society, advocating for a life of ritual purity and religious observance.
c. 150 BC - AD 70
Jewish Temple Worship
The Second Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. Pilgrims would ascend to the temple for prayer and sacrifice, participating in rituals that were central to their faith.
c. 20 BC - AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry
During Jesus' public ministry, he frequently interacted with various groups within Jewish society, including Pharisees and tax collectors, often challenging their understanding of righteousness and the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 30
Jesus Teaches the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus tells this parable in the temple, directly addressing the hypocrisy of those who trusted in their own righteousness and despised others, contrasting it with genuine humility and repentance.
This verse echoes the Pharisee's comparison by reminding us that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, underscoring the folly of self-righteous boasting.
Matthew 23:25-26Jesus directly confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, likening their outward show of righteousness to a 'cup' and 'dish' clean on the outside but filthy within, mirroring the Pharisee's prayer.
Proverbs 16:5This proverb directly condemns the pride that the Pharisee displays, stating that 'everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD,' reinforcing why his prayer was rejected.
Luke 7:37-38This passage shows a woman, contrasted with the Pharisee, anointing Jesus' feet with tears and demonstrating genuine humility and love, revealing the stark difference between true repentance and self-congratulation.
1 Corinthians 1:31This verse instructs believers to boast only in the Lord, directly opposing the Pharisee's pride in his own 'accomplishments' and redirecting true boasting to God's work.
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 begins by thanking God, but his focus isn't truly on God's goodness, but rather on his own perceived superiority over others, particularly the tax collector. This highlights how even religious acts can become a performance of self-congratulation rather than genuine humility and dependence on God.
Jesus tells this parable to people who wrongly believe they are righteous and look down on others. The story contrasts a proud Pharisee's prayer with that of a humble tax collector, highlighting Jesus' teaching that true righteousness is found in humility and reliance on God's mercy, not self-righteousness.
Jesus tells this parable to people who wrongly believe they are righteous and look down on others. The story contrasts a proud Pharisee's prayer with that of a humble tax collector, highlighting Jesus' teaching that true righteousness is found in humility and reliance on God's mercy, not self-righteousness.
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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.
nēsteuō · Greek Verb
A voluntary religious practice of abstaining from food to focus on prayer, repentance, or seeking God's will.
apodekatoō · Greek Verb
A tenth part of one's income or produce given to God, prescribed by the Mosaic Law to acknowledge that all wealth comes from Him.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event marked a significant turning point for Judaism, leading to shifts in religious practice and emphasis.
"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. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’" — The Pharisee begins by thanking God, but his focus isn't truly on God's goodness, but rather on his own perceived superiority over others, particularly the tax collector. This highlights how even rel…
