Luke 18:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I fast {G3522} twice {G1364} in the week {G4521}, I give tithes {G586} of all {G3956} that {G3745} I possess {G2932}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . ’

Berean Standard Bible

I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

American Standard Version

I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:12 presents the self-congratulatory declaration of the Pharisee in Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. This verse encapsulates the Pharisee's boastful adherence to religious practices—fasting beyond the norm and tithing meticulously—revealing a heart consumed by self-righteousness and a profound misunderstanding of true humility and God's pathway to justification. His words serve as a stark contrast to the humble publican and highlight the parable's central message about the nature of acceptable prayer and righteousness before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 18:12 is a direct quotation from the Pharisee's "prayer" within the [Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican"). Jesus introduces this parable with a specific audience in mind: "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" ([Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Jesus' Introduction to the Parable")). The Pharisee's monologue in [Luke 18:11-12](/luke/18-11-12 "Luke 18:11-12 - The Pharisee's Prayer") immediately precedes the publican's humble plea in [Luke 18:13](/luke/18-13 "Luke 18:13 - The Publican's Prayer"), setting up a dramatic contrast that culminates in Jesus' pronouncement on justification in [Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "Luke 18:14 - Jesus' Conclusion on Humility and Exaltation"). This verse, therefore, is crucial for understanding the Pharisee's character and the spiritual error Jesus seeks to expose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. They were generally respected for their piety and commitment to holiness. While the Mosaic Law required fasting only once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - The Day of Atonement")), devout Pharisees often fasted twice a week (typically on Mondays and Thursdays) as a supererogatory act of piety. Similarly, tithing was commanded for agricultural produce ([Deuteronomy 14:22](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22 - Tithing of Produce")), but the Pharisee's claim to tithe "of all that I possess" suggests an even more meticulous, perhaps even obsessive, application of the law, extending to every item of income or possession. This context highlights that the Pharisee's practices, while outwardly commendable by human standards, were performed with a heart of self-exaltation rather than humble devotion.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within the [Gospel of Luke](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke - Themes and Narrative"). Foremost is the theme of **self-righteousness versus genuine humility**. The Pharisee's boastful prayer exemplifies the danger of relying on one's own works for justification, a concept Jesus consistently challenged (e.g., [Luke 16:15](/luke/16-15 "Luke 16:15 - God Knows the Heart")). This verse also highlights the contrast between **external piety and internal transformation**. While the Pharisee meticulously follows religious rituals, his heart is filled with pride and contempt for others, demonstrating that outward acts without a right heart attitude are meaningless to God ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **justification by grace through faith**, as the publican, who offers no boastful claims but only a plea for mercy, is the one declared righteous ([Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "The Publican Justified")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fast (Greek, _nēsteúō'_):** This verb means "to abstain from food (religiously)." The Pharisee's claim to fast "twice in the week" indicates a practice beyond the single annual fast required by the Mosaic Law. This was a common voluntary discipline among devout Jews, particularly Pharisees, intended to demonstrate piety and devotion. However, in this context, the act is presented as a means of self-exaltation rather than humble seeking of God.
* **week (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** While literally meaning "Sabbath," in this context, _sábbaton_ is used idiomatically to denote the interval between two Sabbaths, thus "a week." The phrase "twice in the week" points to the regular, disciplined nature of the Pharisee's fasting, further emphasizing his commitment to religious observance beyond the minimum requirements.
* **possess (Greek, _ktáomai'_):** This primary verb means "to get, i.e. acquire (by any means; own)." The Pharisee's declaration, "I give tithes of all that I possess," implies an exhaustive and meticulous tithing practice. While the Mosaic Law primarily focused on tithing agricultural produce and livestock, the Pharisee's statement suggests he extended this practice to all his income and acquisitions, showcasing an extreme level of adherence, again, for self-righteous purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I fast twice in the week,"**: This clause immediately establishes the Pharisee's self-focused piety. The emphasis on "I" (explicit in the Greek, *egō*) highlights his self-centeredness. Fasting twice a week was a supererogatory act, demonstrating a level of devotion beyond what was legally required. By stating this, the Pharisee positions himself as exceptionally righteous and spiritually superior to others who might not observe such strict disciplines.
* **"I give tithes of all that I possess."**: This second clause continues the theme of extraordinary religious observance. Tithing was a fundamental command, but the Pharisee's claim to tithe "of all that I possess" (Greek: *pantōn hosa ktōmai*) suggests an extreme and comprehensive application of the law, extending beyond the typical agricultural tithes to include all his income and acquisitions. This statement further underscores his meticulousness and perceived spiritual excellence, which he believes earns him favor with God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is central, as the Pharisee's "prayer," intended to showcase his righteousness to God, actually reveals his profound spiritual blindness and pride. His self-exalting words are antithetical to the humility God desires. **Contrast** is also key, as this verse stands in direct opposition to the subsequent depiction of the humble publican, setting up the parable's core message. The repeated "I" (implied in the English KJV, but explicit in the Greek *egō* before "fast" and "give tithes") exemplifies **anaphora** and highlights the Pharisee's overwhelming **self-focus** and **narcissism**. Furthermore, the phrase "all that I possess" might be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the Pharisee's desire to portray himself as exceeding all expectations in his religious devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:12 serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true righteousness. It exposes the fallacy of a works-based righteousness, where human effort and external religious performance are believed to earn divine favor. The Pharisee's boastful prayer reveals a heart that trusts in its own merits rather than in God's mercy, embodying the very attitude Jesus sought to correct in those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous." This verse underscores the biblical truth that God values a humble and contrite spirit over outward displays of piety, and that justification comes not through human achievement but through God's gracious declaration based on faith. It challenges believers to examine their motivations for religious acts, ensuring they stem from genuine devotion and humility before God, rather than pride or a desire for human recognition.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice God Desires")
* [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:12 provides a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the true nature of our spiritual practices. Are our acts of devotion—prayer, fasting, giving, service—rooted in a humble desire to honor God and express gratitude for His grace, or are they subtly tainted by a desire for self-commendation, recognition from others, or a sense of spiritual superiority? The Pharisee's error was not in his religious disciplines themselves, but in the prideful heart from which they sprang. This verse reminds us that God looks beyond the outward performance to the heart's true condition. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our constant dependence on God's mercy rather than our own perceived achievements. True spiritual growth involves continually acknowledging our need for grace and extending that same grace to others, rather than judging them by our own standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be tempted to rely on my own efforts or achievements rather than God's grace?**
* **How can I ensure that my religious practices (e.g., prayer, giving, service) are motivated by genuine love for God and humility, rather than a desire for self-righteousness or human approval?**
* **Do I ever find myself comparing my spiritual performance to others, and if so, how might this reflect the Pharisee's attitude?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to humble myself before God, and how can I practice this daily?**

### FAQ
**What was wrong with the Pharisee's actions of fasting and tithing? Weren't these good things?**

Answer: The actions of fasting and tithing themselves were not inherently wrong; in fact, they were commanded or encouraged in the Old Testament and could be expressions of genuine piety. The problem, as highlighted in [Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - The Pharisee's Boast"), was the Pharisee's motivation and attitude. He performed these acts not out of humble devotion to God or genuine love for others, but out of a desire for self-exaltation and to establish his own righteousness before God and men. His "prayer" was a boastful declaration of his accomplishments, explicitly comparing himself favorably to "other men" and the publican ([Luke 18:11](/luke/18-11 "Luke 18:11 - The Pharisee's Self-Righteous Prayer")). Jesus teaches that true righteousness stems from a humble heart dependent on God's mercy, not from outward religious performance done with pride ([Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - Warning Against Public Piety")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:12, with its depiction of the Pharisee's self-righteous boasting, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the Pharisee who meticulously adhered to the law to earn favor, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law not for His own merit, but as a righteous substitute for humanity ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Where the Pharisee proudly declared his own works, Jesus, though truly righteous, humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). The Pharisee's prayer sought to justify himself through his own efforts, but Christ is the ultimate justification, offering His perfect life and atoning death as the sole basis for righteousness before God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). His sacrifice provides what no amount of fasting or tithing could ever achieve: reconciliation with God and eternal life ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Jesus' teaching consistently pointed away from self-exaltation and towards humble dependence on God's grace, perfectly exemplified in His own life and His ultimate act of self-giving love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,