Luke 18:9

KJV

¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he spake {G2036}{G2532} this {G5026} parable {G3850} unto {G4314} certain {G5100} which {G3588} trusted {G3982} in {G1909} themselves {G1438} that {G3754} they were {G1526} righteous {G1342}, and {G2532} despised {G1848} others {G3062}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, to some who were relying on their own righteousness and looking down on everyone else, he told this parable:

Berean Standard Bible

To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:

American Standard Version

And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:9 serves as the pivotal introduction to Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, immediately identifying the specific audience and the profound spiritual malady Jesus intends to expose. It highlights the dangerous mindset of those who place their confidence in their own perceived righteousness, leading them to disdain and look down upon others whom they deem spiritually inferior. This verse sets the stage for a powerful lesson on true humility, divine grace, and the nature of genuine acceptance before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows the Parable of the Persistent Widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"), which emphasizes the necessity of persistent and unwearied prayer. While the previous parable focuses on the *act* of prayer and God's responsiveness, [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") shifts the focus to the *heart attitude* of the one praying and their spiritual standing before God. It acts as a direct narrative bridge, introducing a new parable that contrasts two distinct approaches to righteousness and prayer, preparing the reader for the vivid illustration that follows in [Luke 18:10-14](/luke/18-10-14 "Luke 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience included a significant number of Pharisees and those influenced by their teachings. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their meticulous observance of the Mosaic Law and the vast body of oral traditions that had developed around it. They often prided themselves on their strict adherence, viewing it as a path to righteousness and a mark of God's favor. This cultural emphasis on external obedience and ritual purity could easily foster a sense of spiritual superiority and contempt for those who did not meet their rigorous standards, such as tax collectors (publicans), sinners, or the common people (the "am ha'aretz"). Jesus' parable directly challenges this prevailing self-righteous attitude, which was a significant barrier to understanding the true nature of God's kingdom and His grace.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several critical themes that permeate the broader narrative of [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke") and the teachings of Jesus. Foremost is the theme of **Self-Righteousness vs. True Righteousness**. The "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous" embody a false righteousness derived from human effort and external performance, contrasting sharply with the divine righteousness offered through grace. This leads directly to the theme of **Pride vs. Humility**, as the self-righteous are inherently proud, while true acceptance before God requires profound humility and an acknowledgment of one's spiritual need. Finally, the phrase "despised others" underscores the theme of **Love and Compassion**, or the lack thereof. Self-righteousness often breeds contempt for others, directly violating the second great commandment to [love one's neighbor as oneself](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment"), a principle central to Jesus' ethical teachings throughout [the Gospels](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trusted (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This verb signifies to convince, to persuade, or, in its reflexive or passive sense, to assent, to rely, or to have confidence. In the context of [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican"), it describes a deep-seated, inward certainty or reliance that these individuals placed *in themselves*. Their trust was not in God's mercy or provision, but in their own perceived spiritual standing and accomplishments, a profound misplacement of faith.
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** Derived from the concept of justice or rightness (dikē), this adjective describes someone who is equitable in character or act, innocent, or holy. In a theological sense, it refers to a state of being in right relationship with God. The problem highlighted in [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") is not the pursuit of righteousness itself, but the false belief that one has *achieved* it through personal effort and therefore stands justified before God, rather than receiving it as a gift.
* **despised (Greek, _exouthenéō'_):** This powerful verb means to set at naught, to treat as worthless, to utterly disregard, or to hold in contempt. It conveys a strong sense of disdain and scorn. The self-righteous individuals not only elevated themselves but actively devalued and looked down upon "others" (Gk. _loipoí_, the remaining ones, the rest of humanity), viewing them as inferior or unworthy in God's sight. This reveals the destructive social and spiritual consequences of self-righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake this parable":** This introductory clause signals a shift in Jesus' teaching method, indicating that the following narrative is a figurative story designed to convey a spiritual truth. It sets the stage for a memorable and illustrative lesson, a common pedagogical tool of Jesus.
* **"unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous":** This phrase precisely identifies the target audience and their core spiritual issue. These were individuals who possessed an inflated sense of their own moral and spiritual standing, believing their own efforts and adherence to the law were sufficient to earn God's favor and declare them "righteous." Their confidence was rooted in self-assessment rather than divine grace.
* **"and despised others":** This second clause reveals the direct, negative consequence of their self-trust. Their perceived superiority led them to look down upon, scorn, and treat with contempt those they considered less righteous, less observant, or outright sinful. This attitude of disdain for others is a hallmark of spiritual pride and directly contradicts the love and humility central to God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") is **Introduction** to a **Parable**. This verse serves as a direct, explicit statement of the parable's purpose and its intended audience, a unique feature among Jesus' parables in the Synoptic Gospels. Unlike many parables where the meaning is left for the disciples to discern or is explained later, here Jesus immediately reveals the spiritual malady he aims to address. This upfront declaration creates a strong sense of **Anticipation** and immediately frames the subsequent narrative. Furthermore, the verse employs **Characterization** by succinctly describing the type of people Jesus is addressing, setting up the **Contrast** that will be dramatically illustrated in the following verses between the self-righteous and the humble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:9 lays bare a fundamental theological tension: the conflict between human self-righteousness and divine grace. It underscores the biblical truth that true acceptance before God is not earned through human effort, moral performance, or adherence to religious rituals, but is a gift received through humble dependence on His mercy. The "trusting in themselves" highlights a profound spiritual blindness that prevents individuals from recognizing their need for a righteousness that comes from God alone. This self-reliance inevitably leads to pride and a judgmental spirit, which are anathema to the heart of God, who desires humility and compassion. The verse thus serves as a powerful indictment of spiritual arrogance and an invitation to embrace the path of humility, which alone opens the door to God's transformative grace.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:9 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the true source of our confidence before God. Do we, like the "certain" individuals Jesus addressed, subtly or overtly trust in our own good deeds, our moral standing, our religious observances, or our perceived spiritual achievements for acceptance and favor? Or do we humbly acknowledge our inherent sinfulness and depend entirely on God's boundless grace and mercy, as exemplified by the publican in the ensuing parable? This verse powerfully reminds us that spiritual arrogance is a dangerous barrier to genuine relationship with God and others. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility, recognizing that all humanity stands equally in need of God's saving grace. True righteousness is not something we achieve, but something we receive. This understanding should lead not to pride, but to compassion, empathy, and a genuine love for all people, regardless of their perceived spiritual status, for we are all recipients of undeserved grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust for acceptance before God: in my own efforts, or in God's grace?**
* **In what ways might I unknowingly "despise others" or look down on those who do not meet my personal or spiritual standards?**
* **How does the concept of self-righteousness hinder my ability to truly love God and my neighbor?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and compassionate heart in my daily interactions and spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What is a parable, and why did Jesus use them?**

Answer: A parable (Greek, _parabolḗ_) is a short, metaphorical story drawn from everyday life, used by Jesus to illustrate a profound spiritual or moral truth. Jesus frequently employed parables as a teaching method because they were memorable, relatable, and often challenged listeners to think deeply and critically about spiritual realities. They could both reveal truth to those with open hearts and conceal it from those whose hearts were hardened, prompting further inquiry and reflection. The parable introduced in [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") is a classic example of how Jesus used a simple narrative to expose complex spiritual attitudes.

**Who were the "certain" people Jesus addressed in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named, the description "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" strongly points to a group often associated with the Pharisees and their followers. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, which often led to a sense of spiritual superiority over others, particularly those they deemed "sinners" or "unclean" (like publicans). Jesus frequently challenged their legalistic and self-righteous attitudes, making them a primary audience for parables like the one that follows in [Luke 18:10-14](/luke/18-10-14 "Luke 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican").

**Why is self-righteousness so dangerous in the eyes of God?**

Answer: Self-righteousness is dangerous because it is a direct affront to God's grace and sovereignty. When individuals trust in their own perceived goodness or achievements for salvation, they deny their inherent need for a Savior and implicitly reject God's provision for righteousness through faith. This mindset breeds pride, blinds one to their true spiritual condition, and creates a barrier to genuine repentance and humility. Furthermore, as [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") indicates, it often leads to despising others, fostering a judgmental and unloving spirit that is contrary to the very heart of God's law and the kingdom of heaven.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:9, with its stark portrayal of self-righteousness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous" represent humanity's universal inclination to establish its own goodness apart from God. Yet, the New Testament unequivocally declares that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). It is precisely because no one can achieve true righteousness through their own efforts that Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection become the sole source of justification. He is the one who "knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The self-righteousness condemned in [Luke 18:9](/luke/18-9 "Luke 18:9 - Introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican") is utterly dismantled by the gospel, which proclaims that righteousness is "not by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ" ([Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith")). Thus, the parable's introduction points directly to the profound need for Christ's imputed righteousness, inviting all who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy to find their complete and perfect standing before God solely in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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 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.

Proverbs 30:12

[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

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.

Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 9:31

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Romans 9:32

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;