Luke 18:12 - I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 18:12" mean?
This verse is part of a longer parable told by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14, often called the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse "I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get" means within the context of the parable:
"I fast twice a week": Fasting in Judaism was a way to demonstrate piety, repentance, and devotion to God. The Law prescribed only one fast day a year (Yom Kippur). This Pharisee went above and beyond what was required, fasting twice a week (likely Mondays and Thursdays, which were common days for voluntary fasting) to show his supposed righteousness.
"I give tithes of all that I get": Tithing refers to giving a tenth of one's income or produce to God, often for the support of the temple and the poor. The Law required tithing on agricultural produce (crops, livestock). The Pharisee, again, went above and beyond. He tithed on everything he acquired, implying he even tithed on things not explicitly required by the Law, perhaps even small items he purchased.
The Significance within the Parable:
The Pharisee's statement is meant to illustrate the following:
Self-righteousness: The Pharisee is boasting about his religious achievements. He's highlighting how much better he is than others, implied by the fact that he looks down on others in the parable.
Legalism: He's focused on outward actions and adherence to rules, rather than genuine humility and love for God and neighbor. He turns his devotion into a performance to show everyone how holy he is.
Lack of Humility: His prayer is not a plea for God's mercy or guidance, but a declaration of his own goodness. He has no sense of his own sinfulness or need for forgiveness.
Condemnation of others: The Pharisee clearly sets himself apart from the tax collector by making sure that he is aware that he is not "like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector."
In Summary:
The verse isn't necessarily about the inherent goodness or badness of fasting and tithing. It's about the attitude behind the actions. The Pharisee's actions are presented as empty and self-serving because they are motivated by pride and a desire to impress others (and perhaps even God), rather than by genuine devotion and love. Jesus contrasts this with the tax collector, who, in deep humility, acknowledges his sinfulness and asks for God's mercy. The tax collector is ultimately declared to be justified before God, not the Pharisee.
Luke 18:12 - I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’
What does "Luke 18:12" mean?
This verse is part of a longer parable told by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14, often called the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse "I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get" means within the context of the parable:
"I fast twice a week": Fasting in Judaism was a way to demonstrate piety, repentance, and devotion to God. The Law prescribed only one fast day a year (Yom Kippur). This Pharisee went above and beyond what was required, fasting twice a week (likely Mondays and Thursdays, which were common days for voluntary fasting) to show his supposed righteousness.
"I give tithes of all that I get": Tithing refers to giving a tenth of one's income or produce to God, often for the support of the temple and the poor. The Law required tithing on agricultural produce (crops, livestock). The Pharisee, again, went above and beyond. He tithed on everything he acquired, implying he even tithed on things not explicitly required by the Law, perhaps even small items he purchased.
The Significance within the Parable:
The Pharisee's statement is meant to illustrate the following:
Self-righteousness: The Pharisee is boasting about his religious achievements. He's highlighting how much better he is than others, implied by the fact that he looks down on others in the parable.
Legalism: He's focused on outward actions and adherence to rules, rather than genuine humility and love for God and neighbor. He turns his devotion into a performance to show everyone how holy he is.
Lack of Humility: His prayer is not a plea for God's mercy or guidance, but a declaration of his own goodness. He has no sense of his own sinfulness or need for forgiveness.
Condemnation of others: The Pharisee clearly sets himself apart from the tax collector by making sure that he is aware that he is not "like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector."
In Summary:
The verse isn't necessarily about the inherent goodness or badness of fasting and tithing. It's about the attitude behind the actions. The Pharisee's actions are presented as empty and self-serving because they are motivated by pride and a desire to impress others (and perhaps even God), rather than by genuine devotion and love. Jesus contrasts this with the tax collector, who, in deep humility, acknowledges his sinfulness and asks for God's mercy. The tax collector is ultimately declared to be justified before God, not the Pharisee.