Luke 18:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I tell {G3004} you {G5213}, this man {G3778} went down {G2597} to {G1519} his {G846} house {G3624} justified {G1344} rather than {G2228} the other {G1565}: for {G3754} every one {G3956} that exalteth {G5312} himself {G1438} shall be abased {G5013}; and {G1161} he that humbleth {G5013} himself {G1438} shall be exalted {G5312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you, this man went down to his home right with God rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Berean Standard Bible

I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

American Standard Version

I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:14 serves as the profound conclusion to Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, powerfully encapsulating the divine principle that true righteousness before God is not found in self-exalting piety but in humble, contrite dependence upon His mercy. This verse declares the tax collector, who confessed his sin, to be justified in God's eyes, contrasting sharply with the self-righteous Pharisee, thereby revealing God's upside-down kingdom values where the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic interpretive statement of Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, found in [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector"). Jesus specifically told this parable to "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" ([Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - The Audience of the Parable")). The narrative immediately preceding this parable is the Parable of the Persistent Widow ([Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")), which emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer. In contrast, the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector shifts focus to the *posture* of prayer, highlighting that the effectiveness of prayer and one's standing before God are determined not by outward religious performance or social status, but by the humility of the heart. The two characters represent two diametrically opposed approaches to approaching God: one self-congratulatory and judgmental, the other self-aware and repentant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, Pharisees were highly respected religious leaders, known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. They were often seen as paragons of piety. Conversely, tax collectors (publicans) were universally despised. They were Jewish individuals who collected taxes for the Roman occupying power, often extorting more than required for personal gain, and were considered traitors and sinners, ritually unclean and socially ostracized. The setting of the parable in the Temple underscores the expectation that the Pharisee, in this sacred space, would be deemed righteous, while the tax collector would be condemned. Jesus' conclusion, therefore, was profoundly counter-cultural and shocking to His original audience, overturning their ingrained assumptions about who was truly righteous in God's eyes.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:14 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **Humility and Pride**, emphasizing that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. The Pharisee's self-exaltation leads to his spiritual abasement, while the tax collector's humble confession results in divine favor. Secondly, the verse defines **True Justification**, revealing that it is a divine declaration of righteousness based not on human merit, religious performance, or adherence to rituals, but on God's grace received through a humble and repentant spirit. The tax collector, despite his despised profession, "went down to his house justified," underscoring that right standing with God is a gift. Finally, the verse articulates a fundamental **Principle of Divine Reversal**, a recurring motif in God's kingdom where the last are first, the weak are strong, and the lowly are exalted. This principle is not only central to Jesus' teachings but is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud") and [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** From the Greek term G1344, this word means "to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent." In a theological context, it signifies being declared righteous or acquitted by God. The tax collector was not made inherently sinless on the spot, but rather, his humble confession and repentance led to God's pronouncement of his right standing, a legal and relational declaration of acceptance.
* **abased (Greek, _tapeinóō'_):** Derived from G5013, this term means "to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)." It refers to being brought low, humbled, or humiliated. In this context, it describes the spiritual consequence for those who exalt themselves, indicating that God will actively bring down their self-perceived status and pride.
* **exalted (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** From G5312, this word means "to elevate (literally or figuratively)." It refers to being lifted up, honored, or promoted. This term describes the divine action of God raising up those who humble themselves, granting them favor, honor, and a right standing that they did not earn through their own merit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:"** Jesus, with divine authority ("I tell you"), declares the surprising outcome of the parable. The "this man" refers to the despised tax collector, while "the other" is the self-righteous Pharisee. The tax collector, despite his public sinfulness, was declared righteous by God, a profound act of divine grace. This justification was a verdict from God, not a self-assessment, and it was granted because of his humble and contrite heart, in stark contrast to the Pharisee's pride which rendered his piety ineffective.
* **"for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;"** This clause presents a universal spiritual principle that explains the outcome of the parable. "Every one" (Greek: _pâs_) signifies that this is a timeless and absolute truth of God's kingdom. Those who elevate themselves, boasting of their own righteousness or achievements, will inevitably be brought low or humiliated by God. Their pride is an affront to God's sovereignty and grace, leading to their spiritual downfall.
* **"and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."** This second part of the principle offers the counter-truth. Those who willingly humble themselves, acknowledging their dependence on God and their own unworthiness, will be lifted up by God. This exaltation is not self-sought but divinely bestowed, representing God's favor, honor, and spiritual elevation for those who adopt a posture of genuine humility and trust in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which underpins the entire parable and culminates in this verse. The two characters—the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble tax collector—are diametrically opposed, and Jesus' verdict highlights the stark difference in their standing before God. This creates a powerful **Paradox** or **Reversal**, where conventional expectations are inverted: the outwardly pious and respected figure is rejected, while the despised sinner is accepted. This divine reversal is a recurring theme in Luke's Gospel, challenging human notions of status and righteousness. Furthermore, the concluding statement functions as a **Proverbial Statement** or **Generalization**, using "every one" to establish a universal principle that extends beyond the immediate narrative, making it applicable to all people and all times. This serves as a timeless axiom of God's kingdom, reinforcing the enduring importance of humility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:14 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's justice and grace, revealing that His favor is not earned through human merit or religious performance, but freely given to those who approach Him with genuine humility and a contrite spirit. The tax collector's justification underscores that righteousness before God is a divine declaration, an act of grace that transforms one's spiritual standing. This verse dismantles the human tendency towards self-righteousness, emphasizing that pride is an impediment to receiving God's grace, while humility is the posture that opens the heart to His mercy. It teaches that God actively intervenes to humble the arrogant and uplift the lowly, demonstrating His commitment to an upside-down kingdom where true greatness is found in servanthood and dependence on Him, rather than in self-exaltation.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble")
* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - Pride brings low, but honor upholds the humble")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:14 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to critically assess the posture of our hearts before God. It challenges the insidious nature of spiritual pride, which can manifest as self-congratulation, comparison with others, or a reliance on our own religious efforts rather than God's grace. True righteousness, as demonstrated by the tax collector, stems from an honest recognition of our sinfulness and an unreserved dependence on God's mercy. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility, acknowledging our need for a Savior, and approaching God with a contrite heart that seeks His forgiveness and favor, not based on what we have done, but on who He is. It reminds us that God is actively involved in humbling the proud and exalting the humble, inviting us to align our hearts with His divine principle for spiritual flourishing and true intimacy with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my prayer life reflect humility or self-reliance, and what changes might I need to make?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly exalting myself, rather than humbling myself before God and others?**
* **What does true justification mean for my daily walk with God, and how does it impact my view of myself and others?**

### FAQ
**Why was the tax collector justified, despite his profession being considered sinful?**

Answer: The tax collector was justified not because of his profession or any inherent goodness, but because of his humble and repentant heart. While his occupation was indeed associated with corruption and collaboration with Rome, his prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" ([Luke 18:13](/luke/18-13 "Luke 18:13 - The Tax Collector's Prayer")), revealed a profound awareness of his sinfulness and a desperate plea for divine mercy. This posture of humility and dependence on God's grace, rather than self-righteousness or boasting, is what God honored. Jesus' parable teaches that God looks at the heart, not merely outward religious performance or social standing.

**Is this verse teaching salvation by works, with humility being a meritorious work?**

Answer: No, this verse is not teaching salvation by works. Humility, in this context, is not presented as a meritorious work that earns justification, but rather as the *posture of heart* that is open to receiving God's unmerited grace. The Pharisee's pride closed him off from God's grace, while the tax collector's humility allowed him to acknowledge his need and receive God's mercy. Justification is always a divine act, a declaration of righteousness by God, not something achieved through human effort. The tax collector's humility was the *condition* that allowed him to receive the grace of justification, not the *cause* of it. It highlights that God's grace is freely given to those who recognize their need for it, rather than those who believe they are self-sufficient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The principle that "every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" is perfectly embodied in Christ's own life. Though He was God, Jesus "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility")). This ultimate act of humility led to His ultimate exaltation, for "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Furthermore, the justification received by the tax collector foreshadows the full and complete justification available to all who, like him, humbly acknowledge their sin and cast themselves upon God's mercy. This mercy is made possible only through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, who is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Our justification is not based on our own inherent righteousness or even our humility as a work, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us by faith when we humbly confess our need for Him ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Justification by Faith")). Thus, the tax collector's experience points directly to the cross, where God's justice and mercy meet, providing the only means for sinners to be declared righteous before a holy God.

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 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 16:15

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Psalms 138:6

¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.