Luke 18:10
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὸν
the temple
G2411
ἱερὸν
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
6 of 14
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖος
a Pharisee
G5330
Φαρισαῖος
a Pharisee
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
10 of 14
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Jerusalem temple had specific areas for prayer. The Court of Israel (for Jewish men) surrounded the priests' court. Jews prayed at set hours—morning and afternoon sacrifices (Acts 3:1). Pharisees were known for conspicuous public prayers (Matthew 6:5). Tax collectors were banned from serving as judges or witnesses, considered ritually unclean through constant Gentile contact. This social context makes Jesus's reversal even more shocking to His first-century audience.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus choose the most respected religious leader and the most despised sinner for this parable's contrast?
- What assumptions about righteousness does this parable's setup challenge?
- How might you be tempted toward Pharisaical comparison rather than humble dependence on God's mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican—Luke introduces the parable's stark contrast. The verb anebēsan (ἀνέβησαν) means 'went up,' reflecting Jerusalem's elevated position. Pharisaios (Φαρισαῖος) represented religious elite—separated ones devoted to Torah and tradition. Telōnēs (τελώνης) means tax collector, considered traitors who enriched themselves by collecting Roman taxes from fellow Jews.
The contrast is deliberate: the most respected religious figure versus the most despised collaborator. Jesus sets up a shocking reversal where the apparent saint is condemned and the obvious sinner is justified. This parable confronts self-righteousness that trusts in religious performance rather than God's mercy.