Luke 18:9

Luke 18:9, in plain English

Jesus turns His attention to people who were sure they were righteous and who looked down on everyone else. This next parable is aimed right at that attitude.

Why it's here

After talking about persistent prayer, Jesus now tackles the heart behind prayer. It's not just about how long you pray — it's about who you think you are when you pray.

Who's speaking

Luke the narrator sets the scene, letting you know exactly who Jesus is about to challenge.

Where it sits in the story

There were people around Jesus who thought they had it all together spiritually and sneered at everyone else. Jesus is about to tell a story that will flip their world upside down.

The scholarly reading

Luke introduces a new parable directed at those characterized by self-righteousness (pepoithotas eph' heautois) and contempt (exouthenountas) for others. These twin vices form the parable's target audience.

Language and setting

This transitional verse sets up the Pharisee and Tax Collector parable, shifting from prayer's persistence (18:1-8) to prayer's posture. Luke's editorial framing identifies the spiritual condition Jesus addresses.

Voice

Luke narrates, identifying the specific audience Jesus has in mind — those trusting in their own moral standing.

Significance

Luke pauses to explain why Jesus tells the next story. Some in the crowd were confident in their own goodness and looked down on everyone else — and Jesus had something to say about that.

7Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?

8I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

9To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:

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.

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.