What does Luke 18:9 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:9 speaks directly to the issue of self-righteousness and the human tendency to look down on others who are perceived as less righteous or more sinful.

The verse introduces a parable told by Jesus Christ, aimed specifically at those who were confident in their own moral superiority and consequently held contempt for others.

The literal meaning is quite straightforward: Jesus is about to address a problem among certain people who believe that they are inherently righteous and therefore hold themselves in higher esteem compared to others.

The deeper meaning involves a critique of hypocrisy, the dangers of pride, and the call for humility.

The parable that follows this verse (the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector) illustrates these themes by comparing the prayers of a self-righteous Pharisee and a penitent tax collector.

Historical Context

The historical context of Luke 18:9 is the period during Jesus's ministry when he was teaching people across various regions about the Kingdom of God.

At this time, social and religious divisions were evident in Jewish society.

The Pharisees were a sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and for setting themselves apart as morally superior.

The tax collectors, on the other hand, were often despised as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were often associated with dishonesty and greed.

Jesus's audience would have included both those who prided themselves on their observance of the law and those who were marginalized.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the passage warns against the sin of pride and the illusion of self-derived righteousness. It echoes the Old Testament's teachings on humility and the need for God's grace.

• Evangelical Perspective: Generally emphasizes the need for personal humility before God and recognizes that righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone, not by one’s own efforts.

• Catholic Interpretation: Also values humility and warns against the temptation to earn righteousness through deeds, promoting the idea of justification through God's grace, though good works remain important as a demonstration of faith.

• Reformed Theology: Strongly highlights the doctrine of total depravity, that no human can claim righteousness apart from the grace bestowed by God through faith in Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse calls for practical application in the form of self-examination and humility in the life of believers:

• In Worship and Prayer: When engaging in religious practices, one should approach God with a humble heart, recognizing their own need for mercy rather than boasting of their piety or accomplishments.

• In Interpersonal Relationships: This teaching encourages individuals to avoid judging others and to treat everyone with kindness and compassion, recognizing that all fall short of divine standards.

• In Communal Life: Communities might use this verse as a foundation for promoting inclusivity and grace towards all members, regardless of their status or past.

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."

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

Language Study

The Greek word for "trusted" used here is "πεποιθότες" (pepoithotes), which means having confidence or assurance.

The term implies a sense of security and can have a positive connotation in other contexts, but here it indicates misplaced confidence in one’s own righteousness.

The words "they were righteous" translate to "δίκαιοι" (dikaioi), which refers to being just or right, particularly in a legal or moral sense.

The phrase "despised others" uses the Greek "ἐξουθενοῦντας" (exouthenountas), meaning to treat as nothing, to despise or reject.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient Jewish culture, this verse challenges the prevailing attitudes of religious elitism similar to other religious traditions which have their own stories or teachings against self-righteousness.

• Hinduism: Hindu stories often warn against ego and emphasize the importance of humility on the spiritual path.
• Buddhism: Buddhism teaches that the ego can be an obstacle to enlightenment and stresses the importance of compassion to all beings.
• Islam: In Islamic teachings, pride is considered one of the major sins, and humility before Allah is highly valued.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly correlate with scientific concepts, psychological studies on moral superiority could provide ancillary insights.

Cognitive biases such as the halo effect or the fundamental attribution error might explain why individuals consider themselves more righteous than others.

Additionally, psychological research on humility and prosocial behavior could reinforce the benefits of the traits advocated by this verse.

Commentaries

Many biblical commentators offer insights on this verse:

• John Gill: Emphasizes that the parable was directed at Pharisees who boasted of their own righteousness and treated others with contempt.
• Matthew Henry: Notes that self-conceit of righteousness leads to other sins, such as despising neighbors.
• William Barclay: Points out that the Pharisees, who were likely the target of this parable, were not bad men but were often blinded by their self-righteousness to their need for God's grace.