King James Version

What Does Luke 18:10 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

The 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.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

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Topics in This Verse

Prayer

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Went up into the temple.**—The peculiar form of the verb, “went *up,”* was strictly justified by the position of the Temple. It stood on what had been Mount Moriah, and rose high above the other buildings of the city. **The one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.**—The two words would be more pictorially suggestive to the disciples than they are, at first, to us. They would see the Pharisee with his broad blue *zizith,* or fringe, and the *Tephillin* (=prayers), or phylacteries, fastened conspicuously on brow and shoulder; the publican in his common working dress, with no outward badge to testify that he was a child of the Covenant. Here, as in the case of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son (where see Notes), the parable may have stated actual facts. Of one such publican we read not long afterwards. (See Note on Luke 19:8.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.