New Testament
Luke 18:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus also told this parable to some people who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.
Compare translations
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
What Luke 18:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus introduces a parable aimed at those who are self-righteous and look down on others. He addresses individuals who believe they are morally superior and judge others harshly. This attitude of pride and contempt can lead to a false sense of security in one's own righteousness. Jesus uses this parable to challenge the listeners' understanding of true righteousness, which is not based on self-perception but on humility and dependence on God. The parable that follows illustrates the contrast between a self-righteous person and a humble sinner, emphasizing that God values humility over self-assuredness. This teaching serves as a reminder that no one is inherently righteous and that we should approach God with a humble heart, recognizing our need for His grace.
How to apply Luke 18:9 to your life
We should examine our hearts for any tendencies toward self-righteousness. Instead of judging others, we must cultivate humility and recognize our own need for God's grace. This attitude fosters compassion and understanding, allowing us to support others in their spiritual journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 18:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 18:9
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 Luke 18:9 mean?
Luke 18:9 introduces a parable that addresses those who are self-righteous and look down on others. It highlights the danger of believing oneself to be morally superior and emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God.
What is the meaning of self-righteousness in Luke 18:9?
In Luke 18:9, self-righteousness refers to the attitude of individuals who trust in their own moral standing and judge others harshly. This mindset can lead to spiritual blindness and a lack of true understanding of one's need for God's grace.
How does Luke 18:9 relate to humility?
Luke 18:9 emphasizes the importance of humility by contrasting self-righteous individuals with those who acknowledge their shortcomings. The parable that follows illustrates that God values a humble heart over prideful self-assurance.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 18:9?
The lesson from Luke 18:9 is to avoid self-righteousness and judgment of others. Instead, we should cultivate humility and recognize our need for God's grace, fostering compassion and understanding in our interactions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.