King James Version
Luke 18:13 in the King James Version says “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, sayin...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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.”
Luke 18:13 · KJV
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.
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.
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.
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“standing”
G2476to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
“would”
G2309to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
“his eyes”
G3788the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“heaven”
G3772the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
“smote”
G5180to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“saying”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“be merciful”
G2433to conciliate, i.e., (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious
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.
Luke 18:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Luke 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge