I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
LUKE 18:14KJVWhat does Luke 18:14 mean?
Luke 18:14 says that the humble person is accepted and made right before God, while the one who lifts himself up is brought low. Jesus teaches that God values humility over self-importance, and those who humble themselves will be honored in the end.
Jesus is speaking to a crowd, finishing the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasted about his goodness, while the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. Jesus explains that it was the humble tax collector who went home "justified"—meaning made right with God—rather than the proud Pharisee. This verse sums up the main lesson: God looks at the heart, not outward status or pride.
The Greek behind Luke 18:14
- δικαιόω (dikaioō, "justified"): This word means to be declared righteous or made right with God. In this context, it shows that the tax collector, not the outwardly religious Pharisee, is accepted by God.
- ὑψόω (hypsōō, "exalteth"/"exalted"): This word means to lift up or raise high. Jesus uses it to describe those who try to make themselves important.
- ταπεινόω (tapeinoō, "abased"/"humbleth"): This word means to lower or humble. Jesus uses it for those who recognize their need for God's mercy, showing that God values a humble attitude.
Why Luke 18:14 matters
- Luke 18:14 clears up the common misunderstanding that outward religious actions or pride make someone right with God; instead, it is humility that God honors.
- This verse highlights the main point of the parable: God’s approval is not based on self-promotion but on honest humility and repentance.
- Luke 18:14 connects to the wider message of Jesus throughout the Gospels, where the last are made first and the proud are brought low, showing a reversal of human expectations.