Luke 18:12

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.

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

  • Self-Righteousness and Pride: The Pharisee's statement is a clear demonstration of spiritual arrogance. He believes his meticulous adherence to religious practices earns him favor with God, rather than recognizing his need for divine grace. His "prayer" is a self-congratulatory monologue.
  • External Piety vs. True Humility: While fasting twice a week (more than the required once a year on the Day of Atonement) and tithing "all that I possess" (beyond the Mosaic Law's requirements for agricultural produce) were outwardly commendable acts, the Pharisee's heart attitude rendered them meaningless. His focus was on outward show, not inward transformation or a humble spirit.
  • Comparison and Condemnation of Others: The Pharisee explicitly compares himself favorably to "other men" and specifically to the "publican," revealing a judgmental and contemptuous spirit. This highlights a core issue Jesus addresses: despising others who do not meet one's own standards.
  • Misunderstanding of Justification: The Pharisee mistakenly believes that his good works and religious observances are the basis for his righteousness before God. This stands in direct opposition to the biblical truth that justification comes through faith and God's mercy, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).

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.

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.

  • 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,

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