Luke 18:12
What does Luke 18:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 18:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 18:12 means
The Pharisee continued to enumerate his religious practices, boasting of his fasting twice a week and tithing every bit of his income. These were practices beyond the requirements of the Mosaic Law, demonstrating his zealous commitment. However, his mention of them in prayer was not an expression of devotion but a tabulation of his own merits before God and, implicitly, before any observers. His focus remained on his own accomplishments rather than on God's grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Twice in the week I go without food; I give a tenth of all I have.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all things--as many as I possess.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I fast twice in the week, I tithe everything I gain.
Context
This verse continues the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer, building upon his initial claims of moral superiority in verse 11. It further solidifies his character as one who trusts in his own works for justification, setting an even greater contrast with the publican's humble plea. This detailed account of his practices underscores the depth of his self-exaltation.
v.11The 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.
v.12This passage
v.13But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 18:24
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering unto Jehovah, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
- Numbers 23:4
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bullock and a ram on every altar.
- Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.
- Ephesians 2:9
not of works, that no man should glory.
- 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.
- Romans 3:27
Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.
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