Luke 18:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:10 mean?

Luke 18:10 describes how two men, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector, went up to the temple in Jerusalem to pray. The verse sets up a contrast between these two figures, who were seen very differently by society at the time.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a story (parable) to teach a lesson about attitudes in prayer and righteousness. The Pharisee was a respected religious leader, while the publican (tax collector) was generally despised as a collaborator with the Romans and seen as a sinner. The scene prepares the listener for a lesson about humility and the true nature of being right before God.

The Greek behind Luke 18:10

• ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi, "men"): This word refers to human beings in general, not just males, emphasizing that the story is about ordinary people rather than specific individuals.
• Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios, "Pharisee"): The Pharisees were known for their strict religious observance and were respected in Jewish society, so mentioning a Pharisee sets up expectations of piety.
• τελώνης (telōnēs, "publican" or "tax collector"): This term refers to someone who collected taxes for the Roman authorities, often seen as corrupt or sinful. The contrast with the Pharisee is sharp and intentional.

Why Luke 18:10 matters

• Luke 18:10 sets up a dramatic contrast that challenges common assumptions about who is righteous or accepted by God.
• The verse introduces a parable that highlights the importance of humility over outward religious status or reputation.
• Understanding the social roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector helps clarify why Jesus’ audience would have been surprised by the outcome of the story.