Luke 18:11
What does Luke 18:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 18:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 18:11 means
The Pharisee stood apart, a typical posture for public prayer, but his prayer revealed a heart full of self-congratulation rather than humble petition. He thanked God, not for mercy or grace, but for his perceived moral superiority over others, especially publicans. He listed various sins he avoided, effectively comparing himself favorably to all others, thus exalting himself. His prayer was directed more towards himself and his own achievements than to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Pharisee, taking up his position, said to himself these words: God, I give you praise because I am not like other men, who take more than their right, who are evil-doers, who are untrue to their wives, or even like this tax-farmer.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the Pharisee having stood by himself, thus prayed: God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men, rapacious, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax-gatherer;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Pharisee, standing, prayed thus to himself:God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax-gatherer.
Context
This verse details the Pharisee's prayer, immediately after the two men entered the temple in verse 10. His self-exalting prayer stands in stark contrast to the expected humility in prayer and sets up the dramatic difference with the publican's prayer that follows. This prayer vividly illustrates the self-righteousness Jesus targeted in introducing the parable.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
- Jeremiah 2:35
Yet thou saidst, I am innocent; surely his anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.
- Matthew 6:5
And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
- 1 Timothy 1:12
I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service;
- Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
- Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.
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