Luke 18 12

Luke 18:12 kjv

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Luke 18:12 nkjv

I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

Luke 18:12 niv

I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

Luke 18:12 esv

I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'

Luke 18:12 nlt

I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 12 Meaning

Luke 18:12 presents the boastful declaration of the Pharisee in Jesus' parable, outlining his two principal acts of religious devotion: fasting "twice a week" and tithing "of all that I possess." This statement, uttered within his prayer, serves to highlight his self-perceived righteousness and spiritual superiority. The verse's true meaning emerges when contrasted with the humble prayer of the tax collector in the same parable. It critiques external religious performance and legalistic adherence performed for self-justification, rather than from a heart of true humility and dependence on God's grace. It illustrates a common human tendency to trust in personal achievements and perceived spiritual merit before God.

Luke 18 12 Context

Luke 18:12 is a key component of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, recounted by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus told this parable specifically to those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt" (Lk 18:9). The narrative contrasts two individuals praying in the temple: a self-congratulatory Pharisee and a repentant tax collector. This verse, therefore, serves as the very illustration of the Pharisee's self-righteousness. Historically, Pharisees were a highly respected Jewish religious sect known for their strict observance of the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders, often seen as embodying Jewish piety. While their diligence was commendable in itself, this parable highlights the potential for such practices to become a source of pride and contempt rather than genuine humility before God. Jesus’ polemic is against hypocrisy and the false confidence in one's own religious merit, directly challenging the prevailing self-justification that often accompanied detailed legal observance in His day.

Luke 18 12 Word analysis

• "I" (Greek: egō - ἐγώ): The pronoun is emphatic. By repeatedly using "I" ("I fast," "I give"), the Pharisee centers himself rather than God in his prayer. This highlights his pride and self-focus, a stark contrast to true prayer which centers on God and humble petition. His "prayer" is not an address to God in humility, but a performance report to himself, effectively patting himself on the back in God's presence.
• "fast" (Greek: nēsteuō - νηστεύω): This refers to abstaining from food for religious reasons. Fasting was a common spiritual discipline in Judaism. The Mosaic Law only required one corporate fast, on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29, 31). However, pious Jews, particularly Pharisees, engaged in voluntary fasting more frequently as a sign of devotion, mourning, or seeking God.
• "twice a week" (Greek: dis tou sabbatou - δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου): Literally, "twice of the Sabbath," where "Sabbath" stands for "week." This refers to Monday and Thursday, which were traditional fast days observed by many Pharisees, not commanded by the Law but developed through tradition. This demonstrates the Pharisee's exceeding the basic requirements of the Law, positioning himself as ultra-pious, even in this small detail. It highlights a dedication beyond the letter of the Law, but presented here with a spirit of showmanship rather than sincere devotion.
• "I give tithes" (Greek: apodekatoō - ἀποδεκατόω): This means to give a tenth part, referring to the practice of tithing. The Mosaic Law mandated tithing on agricultural produce and livestock (Deut 14:22-23; Lev 27:30-32). It was an act of worship and obedience, recognizing God's provision.
• "of all that I possess" (Greek: panta hosa ktōmai - πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι): This phrase indicates the extreme breadth of the Pharisee's tithing. While the Law specified tithes on certain types of produce, the Pharisee implies tithing on "all" his acquisitions or income, perhaps even minor garden herbs (as mentioned in Mt 23:23). This level of meticulousness went beyond the commonly understood scope of tithing in the Law, showcasing an extraordinary, self-imposed commitment meant to display superior righteousness and scrupulous observance. This hyper-observance underscores his belief in earning God's favor through his own extraordinary efforts.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.": This entire statement is a carefully constructed personal resume of religious achievements. The repeated "I" (I...I) puts the focus squarely on the speaker and his performance, rather than on God's character or mercy. The two specific religious acts are examples of works-righteousness, meticulously fulfilled and then presented to God (and implicitly to men) as evidence of spiritual superiority. The statement forms the basis of the Pharisee's confidence and contempt for others, embodying the concept of trusting in one's own righteousness. It reveals a distorted view of prayer not as humble petition, but as an opportunity for self-congratulation and comparison.

Luke 18 12 Bonus section

The Pharisee's "prayer" in Luke 18:11-12 reveals a common misconception about the nature of holiness and acceptance before God. He does not ask for anything, confess any sin, or express any praise directed towards God's character. Instead, he thanks God that he is not like other people. This reveals a transactional view of faith where obedience earns favor and merit, and a judgmental spirit that diminishes others to elevate self. This passage subtly demonstrates how genuine religious fervor can be perverted into a vehicle for human pride, transforming devotion into a performance and piety into a point of self-aggrandizement. The parable highlights that true righteousness is not self-made or comparative, but a gift received through humility.

Luke 18 12 Commentary

Luke 18:12 serves as a vivid illustration of the danger of self-righteousness masked as devotion. The Pharisee meticulously adheres to religious practices—fasting and tithing—not just fulfilling the Law, but exceeding its requirements by fasting twice a week and tithing on all his possessions. These actions, in themselves, are biblical practices, yet the context of his "prayer" reveals their fatal flaw: they are motivated by pride and self-justification, intended to accrue merit before God and gain recognition among men. His statement is not an act of worship, but a performance report, measuring himself against a lower standard (others, like the tax collector) and boasting before God about his presumed achievements. This verse, therefore, is a powerful critique of any religion that places human effort, legalistic observance, or external ritual above humble, contrite reliance on God's grace. It underscores that God does not evaluate piety by the quantity or outward appearance of religious acts, but by the posture of the heart: one of humility, brokenness, and dependence. The contrast with the tax collector (Lk 18:13), who could only cry out for mercy, highlights that God values a repentant spirit over flawless performance, leading to the divine verdict that only the humble are justified (Lk 18:14).