What does Luke 18:14 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:14 is part of a parable told by Jesus, which contrasts the attitudes of two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee is depicted as praying with confidence in his own righteousness, thanking God that he is not like other people, including the tax collector.

In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, too ashamed even to look up to heaven, and beats his breast saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

The verse in question, Luke 18:14, concludes this parable with Jesus' statement that the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. The underlying message is that humility and repentance are more valuable in the eyes of God than self-righteousness and arrogance.

The literal meaning of the verse pertains to the justification of the tax collector over the Pharisee. On a deeper level, it serves as a warning against pride and a reminder that humility is necessary for true righteousness.

Historical Context

Luke 18:14 emerges from a context where the Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and often seen as pious leaders within Jewish society.

Pharisees often enjoyed a high social status and were regarded as religiously superior.

Tax collectors, on the other hand, were generally viewed with disdain and considered sinners because of their association with the Roman occupiers and their perceived dishonesty.

The parable would have been a stark reversal of the hearers' expectations, as it exalted a social outcast over a respected religious figure. This reversal of expectations is a common theme in Jesus' teachings and parables in the New Testament.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Luke 18:14 reinforces the concept of justification by faith, not by works. It aligns with the idea that God's grace cannot be earned through outward displays of piety or adherence to the law, but rather through a sincere heart and humble repentance.

From a moral and ethical standpoint, this verse teaches about the danger of self-righteousness. It warns believers against considering themselves superior to others or assuming that moral or religious observance alone can win favor with God.

In some Protestant views, this verse has been central to arguments against legalism, the idea that salvation can be achieved through the law or human efforts.

Catholic and Orthodox interpretations may place more emphasis on the need for contrition and penance as components of one's relationship with God.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the teachings of this verse can encourage individuals to examine their motivations when performing good deeds or engaging in religious practices. It serves as a reminder to maintain humility and constantly check one's heart for signs of pride or judgmental attitudes towards others.

It also invites individuals to approach God and others with an awareness of their own imperfections, emphasizing the importance of mercy and forgiveness over condemnation.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:12: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
• James 4:6: "But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

• Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
• Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "justified" is "δεδικαιωμένος" (dedikaiomenos), which refers to being declared righteous or being in right standing. This encapsulates the legal aspect of justification, having implications for the person's status before God.

The term for "exalteth" is "ὑψόω" (hypsōō), which means to elevate or lift up. In the context of this parable, it reflects self-elevation or pride. Complementing this, "humbleth" is translated from "ταπεινόω" (tapeinoō), meaning to lower or humiliate oneself, indicative of humility and modesty.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the attitudes of pride and humility are key themes. In Greek mythology, the story of Icarus who flew too close to the sun can be seen as a moral lesson against hubris, parallel to the biblical theme of pride leading to a fall.

In Buddhism, humility is considered an important quality on the path to enlightenment. In Islam, the Qur'an also emphasizes the importance of humility before God and warns against arrogance.

Scientific Perspectives

The dichotomy between pride and humility is an area of interest in modern psychological studies.

Research in social psychology often examines how these traits affect interpersonal relationships and social cohesion.

Although science does not typically address spiritual justification, it widely recognizes the social benefits of humility and the negative impacts of excessive pride on human behavior and mental health.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 18:14 give varied perspectives on its implications:

• William Barclay, a 20th-century Scottish commentator, emphasizes the surprising nature of the parable and the idea that in God's economy, the standards of human judgment are often reversed.
• John Calvin, a theologian from the Reformation era, highlights the fact that the Pharisee was justified in his own eyes but not before God.

He draws attention to the importance of a heart posture before God in prayer.

• The Pulpit Commentary notes that the verse is a stark warning against the religious complacency and spiritual pride of the Pharisees, while simultaneously a call to sincere repentance and humility.