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.
The Pharisee {G5330} stood {G2476} and prayed {G4336} thus {G5023} with {G4314} himself {G1438}, God {G2316}, I thank {G2168} thee {G4671}, that {G3754} I am {G1510} not {G3756} as {G5618} other {G3062} men {G444} are, extortioners {G727}, unjust {G94}, adulterers {G3432}, or {G2228} even {G2532} as {G5613} this {G3778} publican {G5057}.
The Parush stood and prayed to himself, ‘O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector!
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
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Matthew 6:5
¶ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. -
Revelation 3:17
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: -
Isaiah 65:5
Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. -
Jeremiah 2:35
Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. -
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. -
James 2:9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. -
James 2:12
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Luke 18:11 offers a vivid snapshot of the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer within Jesus's Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. This verse encapsulates the Pharisee's inflated sense of spiritual superiority and his disdain for others, particularly the humble publican standing nearby.
Context
This verse is an integral part of a parable recounted by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus specifically told this story to "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." In Jewish society, Pharisees were respected for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often leading to a perception of their own heightened piety. Publicans, or tax collectors, were generally reviled as traitors and sinners due to their collaboration with the Roman occupiers and their often corrupt practices. The setting in the temple highlights a common place for public prayer and religious display in first-century Judaism.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "prayed thus with himself" translates the Greek `pros heauton` (πρὸς ἑαυτὸν), which literally means "to himself" or "with himself." This particular phrasing is crucial; it suggests that while the Pharisee stood in the temple, his prayer was not truly directed outward in humble supplication to God, but rather inward, serving as a self-congratulatory monologue. It highlights the egocentric and self-focused nature of his supposed devotion. The term "publican" is from the Greek `telones` (τελώνης), meaning "tax collector," a profession widely scorned in Jewish society due to their association with Roman rule and often corrupt practices.
Practical Application
Luke 18:11 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual arrogance and the dangers of self-deception in our relationship with God. It reminds us that true righteousness and acceptance before God are not achieved through outward performance, comparison with others, or self-congratulation. Instead, genuine faith requires a humble recognition of our own sinfulness and a reliance on God's boundless mercy and grace. We are called to approach God with a contrite heart, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness, rather than boasting of our merits. This profound truth is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in James 4:6, which states that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."