King James Version

What Does Luke 18:12 Mean?

Luke 18:12 in the King James Version says “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess—the Pharisee's resume of religious performance. Nēsteuō dis tou sabbatou (νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου) means 'I fast twice per week'—Mondays and Thursdays, beyond the single required annual fast (Day of Atonement). Apodekatoō panta hosa ktōmai (ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι)—'I tithe all that I acquire,' even herbs and spices beyond the law's requirements (Matthew 23:23).

These works aren't inherently wrong—fasting and tithing are biblical. The problem is using them as grounds for self-justification. He trusts his performance, not God's mercy. Paul later confessed similar credentials (Philippians 3:4-6) but counted them as loss compared to knowing Christ. Religion without grace produces pride; grace produces humility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law required one fast annually—Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16). Pharisees added voluntary fasts twice weekly as piety displays. Tithing was required on grain, wine, and oil (Deuteronomy 14:22-23), but Pharisees extended it to garden herbs like mint, dill, and cumin. These 'fence around the law' practices aimed to prevent accidentally breaking God's commands, but became badges of superiority rather than expressions of love for God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes religious disciplines like fasting and tithing dangerous when used as grounds for self-righteousness?
  2. How can you practice spiritual disciplines as responses to grace rather than attempts to earn God's favor?
  3. What warning does this verse give about going 'beyond requirements' while missing the heart of true righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
νηστεύω1 of 8

“I fast”

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

δὶς2 of 8

“twice”

G1364

twice

τοῦ3 of 8
G3588

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

σαββάτου4 of 8

“in the week”

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

ἀποδεκατῶ5 of 8

“I give tithes”

G586

to tithe (as debtor or creditor)

πάντα6 of 8

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα7 of 8

“that”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

κτῶμαι8 of 8

“I possess”

G2932

to get, i.e., acquire (by any means; own)

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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:42Matthew 23:23-24Matthew 9:14Luke 17:101 Timothy 4:8Matthew 15:7-9

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