Devine Scripture

Luke 18:9

What does Luke 18:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:9 means

Jesus introduces a new parable, targeting specific individuals in His audience: those who were self-righteous and looked down on others. These people trusted in their own goodness, believing their adherence to religious law made them superior. The parable is designed to confront this dangerous mindset, which alienates them from both God and their fellow human beings. It prepares the way for a lesson on true humility and justification.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made this story for some people who were certain that they were good, and had a low opinion of others:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake also unto certain who have been trusting in themselves that they were righteous, and have been despising the rest, this simile:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others, he spoke also this parable:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he spoke also to some, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and made nothing of all the rest [of men], this parable:

Context

This verse introduces the second major parable of the chapter, shifting the focus from the persistence of prayer to the nature of true righteousness and humility. It clearly identifies the target audience for this teaching: those who considered themselves righteous and despised others. This sets the ethical and spiritual framework for understanding the contrasting prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

v.8I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

v.9This passage

v.10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 10:29

    But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

  • Philippians 3:4

    though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

  • John 8:48

    The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?

  • Luke 19:7

    And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.

  • Luke 18:11

    The 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.

  • John 9:34

    They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

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