Luke 18:12

Luke 18:12, in plain English

The Pharisee lists his impressive religious habits — fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of everything he earns. He's doing more than required and wants God to notice.

Why it's here

These weren't empty claims; he really did these things. The issue isn't his discipline — it's that he's using it as proof that God should be impressed with him.

Who's speaking

The Pharisee continues praying, essentially presenting his spiritual scorecard to God.

Where it sits in the story

He keeps going, stacking up his good deeds like trophies. Fasting, tithing, checking every box. But the whole prayer is aimed at earning something that can only be given freely.

The scholarly reading

The Pharisee cites fasting twice weekly (beyond the single annual requirement of Leviticus 16:29) and tithing on all acquisitions as evidence of his supererogatory piety. These are genuine practices exceeding Torah requirements.

Language and setting

Monday and Thursday fasting was a Pharisaic tradition, not a biblical mandate. Tithing 'all that I acquire' (panta hosa ktōmai) went beyond the agricultural tithe of Deuteronomy 14:22, demonstrating scrupulous observance.

Voice

The Pharisee continues his self-referential prayer, listing his religious accomplishments before God.

Significance

The Pharisee keeps building his spiritual resume in prayer, highlighting disciplines that genuinely exceeded what was required. His obedience was real — but his heart posture was the problem.

10“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

12I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

13But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’

14I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Read all of Luke 18 — A stubborn widow, a humble tax collector, and a rich ruler who can't let go. Jesus shows that the kingdom belongs to those who won't give up and won't pretend.