King James Version

What Does Luke 18:11 Mean?

Luke 18:11 in the King James Version says “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 18:11 · King James Version


Context

9

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

10

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

11

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.

12

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

13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men—the Greek phrase pros heauton (πρὸς ἑαυτόν) is devastating: 'with himself' or 'to himself.' His prayer never reaches God; it's self-congratulatory monologue. Eucharistō soi (εὐχαριστῶ σοι) means 'I thank you,' but his thanksgiving is comparison-based: ouk eimi hōsper hoi loipoi (οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποί)—'I am not like the rest.'

He lists categories: harpages (extortioners), adikoi (unjust), moichoi (adulterers), then points: ē kai hōs houtos ho telōnēs (ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης)—'or even as this tax collector.' His righteousness is comparative, not absolute. He measures himself by others, not by God's holiness, creating a religion of pride rather than grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisaic prayers often included blessings thanking God for privileges. The Talmud records a prayer: 'Blessed are you, Lord, who has not made me a Gentile, a slave, or a woman.' Comparison was built into their framework. However, Jesus condemns thanksgiving based on superiority rather than grace. The Pharisee's standing position was normal for prayer (Mark 11:25), but his spiritual posture—self-exaltation through comparison—violated true worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'prayed with himself' reveal about prayer that focuses on self-comparison rather than God's character?
  2. How does comparative righteousness ('I'm not like them') differ from humble dependence on God's mercy?
  3. In what ways might you be tempted to measure your spiritual life by comparing yourself favorably to others?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὁ1 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαῖος2 of 28

“The Pharisee”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

σταθεὶς3 of 28

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς4 of 28

“with”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἑαυτὸν5 of 28

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ταῦτα6 of 28

“thus”

G5023

these things

προσηύχετο7 of 28

“and prayed”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

Ὁ8 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός9 of 28

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

εὐχαριστῶ10 of 28

“I thank”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

σοι11 of 28

“thee”

G4671

to thee

ὅτι12 of 28

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ13 of 28

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμὶ14 of 28

“I am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὥσπερ15 of 28

“as”

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

οἱ16 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λοιποὶ17 of 28

“other”

G3062

remaining ones

τῶν18 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων19 of 28

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἅρπαγες20 of 28

“are extortioners”

G727

rapacious

ἄδικοι21 of 28

“unjust”

G94

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen

μοιχοί22 of 28

“adulterers”

G3432

a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate

ἢ23 of 28

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

καὶ24 of 28

“even”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὡς25 of 28

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

οὗτος26 of 28

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ὁ27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τελώνης·28 of 28

“publican”

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue


Study Guide

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 18:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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