What does Luke 18:12 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:12 appears in the context of a parable Jesus tells about the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple.

In this verse, the Pharisee is depicted as proudly listing his own virtuous deeds, declaring that he fasts twice a week and gives tithes of all his possessions.

The literal meaning is straightforward: the Pharisee is describing his adherence to religious practices of fasting and tithing that were common in Jewish religious life at the time.

However, the deeper meaning of the verse points to the dangers of self-righteousness and the attitude of the heart in religious observance.

The Pharisee uses his religious practices as a way to boast about his own righteousness compared to others, particularly the tax collector.

The parable contrasts this with the humble prayer of the tax collector, who simply asks for God's mercy.

The implication is that God values humility and genuine repentance over prideful self-justification.

Historical Context

At the time of this writing, Judaism had very structured religious practices, which included fasting and tithing.

Fasting twice a week, usually on Mondays and Thursdays, was a common practice among devout Jews.

Tithing involved giving one-tenth of one's income or produce to the Temple or the religious authorities.

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for their strict observance of the Law of Moses and oral traditions. They were respected within society for their perceived holiness but were also criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and focus on external appearances rather than internal spiritual life.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often interpreted to highlight the dangers of legalism, adhering strictly to the letter of the law while missing its spirit.

It underscores the New Testament theme that justification before God is not based on works or outward displays of piety but on the condition of one's heart and one's faith in God's grace.

The verse also confronts the issue of pride and spiritual arrogance. It warns against the temptation to compare oneself favorably to others based on religious observance, thus elevating oneself while looking down on others.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to focus on the intentions behind their actions rather than just the actions themselves. It warns against the self-deception of believing that mere ritual or rule-following is sufficient for spiritual righteousness.

It suggests that one should examine the reasons for engaging in religious practices, making sure they stem from a place of humility and a desire to grow closer to the divine, rather than to earn favor or boast about one's own piety.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:5 - "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

• Matthew 23:23 - "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words in this verse are "nēsteuō" (νηστεύω), meaning "I fast," which refers to the act of abstaining from food as a religious practice, and "apodekatō" (ἀποδεκατόω), meaning "I tithe," which refers to the act of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce.

The phrase "I possess" comes from the Greek word "ktōma" (κτῶμα), emphasizing the personal ownership of the possessions from which the Pharisee tithes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of fasting and tithing was not exclusive to Judaism but can be found in various forms in other ancient religious traditions.

In Islam, for example, the practice of zakat and sawm during the month of Ramadan could be compared, where giving to charity and fasting are fundamental expressions of worship and piety.

In ancient pagan religions, offerings were made regularly to the gods, hoping to gain their favor or appeasement, though these are not typically structured as a tithe in the same way as in the Judaic context.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might interpret the behavior of the Pharisee from the perspective of social psychology, such as self-serving bias where individuals tend to attribute their successes to personal character while attributing failures to external factors.

Neuroscience may study the neural correlates of ethical behavior and altruism to determine why humans might engage in practices like fasting or tithing, but these scientific perspectives often do not address the religious or spiritual significance of these practices.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often deal with the issues of self-righteousness and hypocrisy.

For instance, the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the contrast between the self-justifying Pharisee and the penitent tax collector, pointing out Jesus's message that repentance and humility are more pleasing to God than prideful self-confidence in one's own righteousness.

Matthew Henry's commentary explores the delusion of the Pharisee in believing that his external acts of piety would justify him before God. Meanwhile, he underscores the tax collector's awareness of his own sin and need for mercy, which is the attitude commended by Jesus.