New Testament

Luke 18:12

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a Pharisee is boasting about his religious practices.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

"I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of all that I possess."

KJVKing James Version

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a Pharisee is boasting about his religious practices. He claims to fast twice a week and give a tenth of everything he owns. Fasting was a common practice among the Jews, often done for spiritual reasons, and tithing was a way to support the temple and the poor. The Pharisee's statement highlights his self-righteousness and pride in his adherence to the law. He believes that his actions make him superior to others, particularly to the tax collector mentioned in the surrounding verses. This attitude contrasts with the humility that Jesus teaches is necessary for true righteousness. The verse serves as a reminder that outward religious practices should not be a source of pride but rather a reflection of one's heart and relationship with God. True faith is not about how much we do but about our attitude and humility before God.

Key themes

Related topics

pride, humility, fear

How to apply Luke 18:12 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own motivations in religious practices. Are we performing acts of faith to gain approval or to genuinely connect with God? True spirituality is marked by humility and sincerity rather than pride in our accomplishments.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 18:12 mean?

Luke 18:12 describes a Pharisee who boasts about his religious practices, claiming to fast twice a week and give a tenth of all he owns. This verse illustrates his pride and self-righteousness, contrasting with the humility that Jesus teaches is essential for true righteousness.

What is the significance of fasting in Luke 18:12?

In Luke 18:12, fasting is presented as a religious practice that the Pharisee uses to highlight his piety. Fasting was common among Jews for spiritual reasons, but the Pharisee's boastful attitude shows that outward practices can be empty without genuine humility.

What does tithing mean in Luke 18:12?

Tithing in Luke 18:12 refers to giving a tenth of one's income or possessions, a practice meant to support the temple and help the poor. The Pharisee's claim to tithe emphasizes his adherence to the law, but it also reveals his pride in his actions.

How does Luke 18:12 relate to humility?

Luke 18:12 contrasts the Pharisee's pride with the humility that Jesus advocates. The verse serves as a reminder that true faith is not about boasting in religious practices but about having a humble heart before God.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

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