New Testament
Luke 18:11
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The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—extortioners, unjust, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.'
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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.
What Luke 18:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Pharisee, a religious leader, stands apart from others to pray. His prayer is a boastful declaration of his own righteousness, thanking God that he is not like those he considers sinful, such as extortioners and adulterers. He even points out the tax collector nearby, implying that he is superior. This attitude reflects a common issue of self-righteousness, where one believes they are better than others based on their actions or status. The Pharisee's prayer lacks humility and genuine repentance, focusing instead on his perceived moral superiority. This contrasts sharply with the humility that true prayer should embody, as it should acknowledge one's own shortcomings and need for God's grace. The verse serves as a warning against pride and self-justification in spiritual matters, highlighting the importance of humility before God.
How to apply Luke 18:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and attitudes in prayer. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should approach God with humility, recognizing our own flaws and need for His grace. True prayer should be about seeking a relationship with God rather than boasting about our own goodness.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Keep studying Luke 18:11
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the Pharisee's prayer reveal about self-righteousness?
The Pharisee's prayer highlights the dangers of self-righteousness, as he focuses on his own perceived moral superiority rather than acknowledging his flaws. By comparing himself to others, he fails to recognize his need for God's grace and humility. This attitude can lead to judgmental behavior and a lack of compassion for others, which is contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
How can we apply the lesson of humility from this verse?
To apply the lesson of humility from Luke 18:11, we should approach God in prayer with a heart that acknowledges our imperfections and need for His grace. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we can focus on our personal relationship with God, seeking forgiveness and growth. This mindset fosters genuine humility and helps us cultivate a spirit of compassion towards others.
What is the significance of the tax collector in this verse?
The tax collector in this verse serves as a contrast to the Pharisee, representing humility and recognition of one's sinfulness. While the Pharisee boasts about his righteousness, the tax collector is aware of his shortcomings and seeks mercy from God. This contrast emphasizes the importance of humility in prayer and the idea that true righteousness comes from acknowledging our need for God's grace rather than self-justification.
How does this verse relate to the theme of prayer?
Luke 18:11 illustrates that prayer should not be a platform for boasting or self-justification, but rather a humble conversation with God. The Pharisee's approach exemplifies a misguided form of prayer that lacks sincerity and repentance. In contrast, true prayer involves recognizing our flaws, seeking forgiveness, and cultivating a deeper relationship with God, which aligns with the essence of genuine communication with Him.
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