King James Version

What Does Luke 18:14 Mean?

Luke 18:14 in the King James Version says “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall b...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 18:14 · King James Version

Context

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.

15

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other—Jesus delivers the shocking verdict. Dedikaiōmenos (δεδικαιωμένος) means 'declared righteous,' the same justification language Paul uses (Romans 3-5). The tax collector, not the Pharisee, received God's favorable verdict. Par' ekeinon (παρ᾽ ἐκεῖνον)—'rather than the other'—makes the contrast absolute.

For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted—the principle of divine reversal. Ho hypsōn heauton tapeinōthēsetai (ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται)—self-exaltation leads to humbling. Ho tapeinōn heauton hypsōthēsetai (ὁ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται)—self-humbling leads to exaltation. God's kingdom reverses worldly values: the first shall be last (Matthew 20:16), the humble are exalted (James 4:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism debated righteousness: Was it achieved through Torah observance or received as God's gift? Jesus settles the question: justification comes through humble repentance, not self-righteous performance. This teaching anticipated Paul's doctrine of justification by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Pharisee trusted his works; the tax collector cast himself on God's mercy. Only the latter went home justified—declared righteous before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the tax collector's justification reveal about God's basis for declaring someone righteous?
  2. How does Jesus's principle of reversal (humble exalted, proud abased) challenge worldly definitions of success?
  3. In what areas might you be trusting your religious performance rather than God's mercy for acceptance?

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

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
λέγω1 of 22

“I tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν2 of 22

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

κατέβη3 of 22

“went down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

οὗτος4 of 22

“this man”

G3778

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

δεδικαιωμένος5 of 22

“justified”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

εἰς6 of 22

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν7 of 22
G3588

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

οἶκον8 of 22

“house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ9 of 22
G846

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

ἢ10 of 22

“rather than”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐκεῖνος·11 of 22

“the other”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὅτι12 of 22

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶς13 of 22

“every one”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ14 of 22
G3588

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

ὑψωθήσεται15 of 22

“shall be exalted”

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτὸν16 of 22

“himself”

G1438

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

ταπεινῶν17 of 22

“he that humbleth”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

ὁ18 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ19 of 22

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταπεινῶν20 of 22

“he that humbleth”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

ἑαυτὸν21 of 22

“himself”

G1438

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

ὑψωθήσεται22 of 22

“shall be exalted”

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

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 18:14 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 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 14:11Luke 16:15James 4:10Matthew 23:12Proverbs 29:23James 4:6

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