King James Version

What Does Luke 18:9 Mean?

Luke 18:9 in the King James Version says “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: that: ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:9 · KJV

Context

7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8

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

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.

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. This introduction to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector identifies the target audience and core issue Jesus addresses: self-righteousness and contempt for others. The Greek phrase "trusted in themselves" (pepoithotas eph' heautois, πεποιθότας ἐφ' ἑαυτοῖς) indicates confidence placed in one's own moral achievement rather than God's mercy.

"That they were righteous" (hoti eisin dikaioi, ὅτι εἰσὶν δίκαιοι) reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of righteousness. These individuals believed they had achieved covenant standing before God through their own religious performance and moral effort. The verb "despised" (exoutheneō, ἐξουθενέω) means to treat with contempt, consider as nothing, or utterly reject—revealing how self-righteousness inevitably produces pride and scorn toward those deemed morally inferior.

Jesus' diagnostic precision targets the Pharisaic system prevalent in first-century Judaism, though the condition transcends any particular religious context. Self-righteousness corrupts genuine faith by substituting human achievement for divine grace, personal merit for God's mercy. This mindset simultaneously elevates self and diminishes others, creating social and spiritual barriers. The parable that follows (verses 10-14) demonstrates that God's kingdom operates on completely opposite principles: justification comes through humble dependence on divine mercy, not confident trust in personal righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This parable appears in Luke's extended journey narrative (9:51-19:27) as Jesus travels toward Jerusalem for His final Passover and crucifixion. Luke uniquely preserves this parable, fitting his theological emphasis on God's mercy toward the marginalized and his critique of religious pride.

First-century Palestinian Judaism featured intense debate about righteousness and covenant membership. The Pharisees, whose name means "separated ones," pursued meticulous observance of Torah and oral tradition to maintain covenant faithfulness. While their devotion was admirable in many respects, it frequently devolved into competitive religiosity and social stratification based on perceived holiness levels.

Tax collectors, by contrast, were considered traitors and sinners—collaborators with Rome who enriched themselves by collecting more than required. They were excommunicated from synagogue fellowship and considered beyond redemption by most religious Jews. Jesus' choice to contrast these two figures would have been shocking and offensive to His audience, directly challenging their assumptions about who stands justified before God. The parable's message anticipated the gospel's radical redefinition of righteousness as a gift received through faith rather than a status earned through works.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does self-righteousness subtly manifest in contemporary Christian life, ministry, or theological discussions?
  2. In what ways do believers today "trust in themselves that they are righteous" rather than resting solely in Christ's righteousness?
  3. How does the attitude of despising others reveal the presence of self-righteousness in our hearts?
  4. What spiritual practices or theological frameworks help guard against the Pharisaic mindset Jesus critiques here?
  5. How can the church cultivate genuine humility and dependence on grace while maintaining commitment to holiness and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Εἶπεν1 of 19

“he spake”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

πρός4 of 19

“unto”

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,

τινας5 of 19

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

τὴν6 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

πεποιθότας7 of 19

“trusted”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ἐφ'8 of 19

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἑαυτοῖς9 of 19

“themselves”

G1438

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

ὅτι10 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἰσὶν11 of 19

“they were”

G1526

they are

δίκαιοι12 of 19

“righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ13 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἐξουθενοῦντας14 of 19

“despised”

G1848

to despise

τὴν15 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

λοιποὺς16 of 19

“others”

G3062

remaining ones

τὴν17 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

παραβολὴν18 of 19

“parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

ταύτην·19 of 19
G3778

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

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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 16:15Proverbs 30:12Isaiah 65:5Romans 10:3Romans 14:10Romans 9:31-32

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 18 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes