I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
I fast {G3522} twice {G1364} in the week {G4521}, I give tithes {G586} of all {G3956} that {G3745} I possess {G2932}.
I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . ’
I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’
I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Luke 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. -
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. -
Matthew 23:24
[Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. -
Matthew 9:14
¶ Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? -
Luke 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. -
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. -
Matthew 15:7
[Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Commentary on Luke 18:12 (KJV)
Luke 18:12 is a pivotal line spoken by the Pharisee in Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14). This verse encapsulates the Pharisee's self-assessment and highlights the central theme of the parable: the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility before God.
Context
Jesus told this parable to "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" (Luke 18:9). The Pharisee, a highly respected religious figure of the day, stands in the temple, offering a prayer that is less a plea to God and more a boastful declaration of his spiritual superiority. His words in verse 12 are a list of his religious accomplishments, setting the stage for the stark contrast with the humble publican.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek text emphasizes the Pharisee's self-focus through the repeated first-person singular pronoun, egō (ἐγώ), meaning "I." Though not always translated explicitly in English, its presence in "I fast" and "I give tithes" underscores his self-centeredness and pride. His meticulousness in tithing "all that I possess" (πάντων ὅσα κτῶμαι - pantōn hosa ktōmai) further illustrates his desire to go beyond the letter of the law, perhaps for public recognition or self-satisfaction, rather than out of genuine devotion.
Practical Application
Luke 18:12 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual pride and the danger of relying on our own good deeds for righteousness. It challenges us to examine our motivations for religious practices: are they for show, for self-congratulation, or born out of genuine love for God and humility? This verse reminds us that God values a contrite and humble heart over outward religious performance (Psalm 51:17). Ultimately, Jesus concludes the parable by stating that "every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 18:14), emphasizing that true righteousness and favor with God come through humility and dependence on His mercy.