I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Pharisee boasts about fasting "twice in the week" and tithing "all that I possess." However, the scholars point out that tithing was specifically meant for income or gain, not every single possession, revealing his claim likely exaggerated even his own strict observance. This subtle detail highlights how easily self-righteousness can twist even good deeds into a basis for pride.
I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is telling a parable to a group who are convinced of their own righteousness and look down on others. A proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector go to the temple to pray, and the Pharisee recounts his impressive religious achievements, contrasting himself with others, especially the tax collector. The Pharisee's self-praise highlights his focus on external actions over an internal, humble disposition before God.
The Pharisee wasn't just following rules; he was going above and beyond. But was his extra effort a path to God, or a wall between them?
Jesus' parable highlights two men praying, but the Pharisee's words reveal a key aspect of his piety: voluntary observance.
Going the Extra Mile
These actions, while seemingly commendable, were presented by the Pharisee as a basis for his own righteousness, setting him apart from others. The challenge lies in understanding whether such rigorous, self-imposed devotion brings us closer to God or further away.
The Pharisee looked down on everyone else, especially the tax collector. What does this attitude reveal about his standing with God?
The Pharisee's prayer isn't just a list of good deeds; it's a declaration of his perceived superiority.
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The Two Pillars of His Pride
Jesus contrasts this with the tax collector, who acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's mercy. The Pharisee’s error wasn't in doing good things, but in making those things the basis of his standing with God, while simultaneously judging others.
Understand the original words
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.
The Pharisee's meticulous observance of voluntary fasts (twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays) and tithing (even on small herbs like mint and cumin) reflects a later Jewish practice that went beyond the strict requirements of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing a striving for a higher level of ritual purity and merit in the eyes of God.
c. 458 BC - 430 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah lead reforms
Following the Babylonian exile, Ezra and Nehemiah led efforts to re-establish religious observance and adherence to the Law among the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem. This period saw a renewed emphasis on strict interpretation and practice of religious duties.
c. 150 BC - 37 BC
Hasmonean Dynasty and religious fervor
The Maccabean Revolt and the subsequent Hasmonean Dynasty fostered a period of intense Jewish nationalism and religious observance. Groups like the Pharisees emerged, emphasizing meticulous adherence to both written and oral law.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Pharisaic movement gains prominence
The Pharisees became a leading religious and political group in Judea, known for their strict observance of the Law and their interpretation of it. They often engaged in voluntary fasts and precise tithing beyond the basic legal requirements.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' public ministry
Jesus taught throughout Galilee and Judea, challenging conventional religious practices and highlighting the importance of inner righteousness over outward observance. This parable was spoken during this time.
c. AD 30
Jesus speaks the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus tells this parable in the temple, directly contrasting the self-righteous prayer of a Pharisee with the humble confession of a tax collector, illustrating his teachings on true righteousness and humility before God.
This passage contrasts those who perform religious duties like fasting and giving to the needy for public recognition versus those who do so with genuine humility and sincerity, highlighting the danger of seeking human approval over God's.
Matthew 23:23Jesus directly rebukes the Pharisees for meticulously tithing even the smallest herbs while neglecting the 'weightier matters of the law' like justice, mercy, and faithfulness, echoing the Pharisee's error in Luke 18:12.
Romans 9:30-33This passage explains that Israel sought righteousness through adherence to the Law, which they failed to achieve, contrasting with the righteousness that comes by faith, similar to how the Pharisee's legalistic efforts missed the mark of true righteousness.
Philippians 3:4-9Paul details his own impressive religious credentials, similar to the Pharisee's boasting, but ultimately discards them, recognizing them as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and gaining righteousness through faith in Him.
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…
vincentLuke 18:12: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
Twice in the weekThe law required only one fast in the year, that on the great day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29; Numbers 29:7); though public memorial fasts were added, during the Captivity, on the anniversaries of national calamities. The Pharisees fasted every Monday and Thursday during the weeks between the Passover and Pentecost, and again between the Feast of Tabernacles and that of the Dedication of the Temple.I…
The Pharisee boasts about fasting "twice in the week" and tithing "all that I possess." However, the scholars point out that tithing was specifically meant for income or gain, not every single possession, revealing his claim likely exaggerated even his own strict observance. This subtle detail highlights how easily self-righteousness can twist even good deeds into a basis for pride.
Jesus is telling a parable to a group who are convinced of their own righteousness and look down on others. A proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector go to the temple to pray, and the Pharisee recounts his impressive religious achievements, contrasting himself with others, especially the tax collector. The Pharisee's self-praise highlights his focus on external actions over an internal, humble disposition before God.
Jesus is telling a parable to a group who are convinced of their own righteousness and look down on others. A proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector go to the temple to pray, and the Pharisee recounts his impressive religious achievements, contrasting himself with others, especially the tax collector. The Pharisee's self-praise highlights his focus on external actions over an internal, humble disposition before God.
"I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’" — The Pharisee boasts about fasting "twice in the week" and tithing "all that I possess." However, the scholars point out that tithing was specifically meant for income or gain, not every single po…
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Last reviewed October 2026