Commentary

What does Luke 18:10 mean?

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.” — Luke 18:10

The Bible verse Luke 18:10 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus, in which he illustrates the difference between two individuals who approach God in prayer.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its deeper meaning. In the preceding verses, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who seeks justice from an unjust judge. This story sets the stage for the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, which serves as a lesson in humility and righteousness.

The Pharisee was a member of a Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the law and their outward displays of piety. They were seen as religious leaders and were often respected by the people. On the other hand, the publican, or tax collector, was often despised by the Jewish people. They were seen as traitors, working for the oppressive Roman government and often enriched themselves at the expense of their fellow Jews.

In the parable, both men go to the temple to pray, but their attitudes and approach to prayer differ greatly. The Pharisee stands and prays with a sense of pride and self-righteousness, thanking God that he is not like others, including the tax collector. He boasts about his own righteousness and religious observance, displaying a sense of moral superiority.

On the other hand, the tax collector stands at a distance and dares not even to lift his eyes to heaven. He beats his breast and prays, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." In contrast to the Pharisee, the tax collector humbles himself before God, acknowledging his own sinfulness and unworthiness.

This parable serves as a powerful lesson in humility and the nature of true righteousness. Jesus concludes the parable by stating, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 18:14, KJV). This statement emphasizes the importance of humility and the danger of pride in approaching God.

The themes present in this parable are humility, repentance, and the nature of true righteousness. The Pharisee represents the danger of self-righteousness and the pride that often accompanies a legalistic approach to religion. His prayer is filled with self-congratulation and a lack of awareness of his own need for forgiveness and grace.

In contrast, the tax collector exemplifies true humility and repentance. His prayer is a recognition of his own sinfulness and a plea for mercy from God. Jesus clearly demonstrates that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who is justified before God.

The symbolism in this parable is powerful and profound. The temple, as the setting for the parable, represents the place where people traditionally approach God in prayer and worship. The two men symbolize different attitudes and approaches to prayer and righteousness. The Pharisee symbolizes pride and self-righteousness, while the tax collector symbolizes humility and repentance.

In conclusion, Luke 18:10-14 from the King James Version of the Bible presents a timeless lesson in humility, repentance, and the nature of true righteousness. This parable challenges us to examine our own attitudes and approach to prayer and reminds us of the importance of humility before God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the danger of self-righteousness and the transformative power of true repentance.

Get our apps

Bible Art

Scripture illustrations

Bible Chat

Scripture study companion

Bible Widget

Daily verses

Bible For Women

Faith & encouragement

Artwork for Luke 18:10

Luke 18:10 - "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." - Luke 18:10

Luke 18:10-14 - "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. "

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. " - Luke 18:10-14