Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖος
The Pharisee
G5330
Φαρισαῖος
The Pharisee
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
2 of 28
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
σταθεὶς
stood
G2476
σταθεὶς
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
3 of 28
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 28
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
G2168
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
10 of 28
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄδικοι
unjust
G94
ἄδικοι
unjust
Strong's:
G94
Word #:
21 of 28
unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
25 of 28
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
26 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Matthew 6:5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.Jeremiah 2:35Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.Mark 11:25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Historical Context
Pharisaic prayers often included blessings thanking God for privileges. The Talmud records a prayer: 'Blessed are you, Lord, who has not made me a Gentile, a slave, or a woman.' Comparison was built into their framework. However, Jesus condemns thanksgiving based on superiority rather than grace. The Pharisee's standing position was normal for prayer (Mark 11:25), but his spiritual posture—self-exaltation through comparison—violated true worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'prayed with himself' reveal about prayer that focuses on self-comparison rather than God's character?
- How does comparative righteousness ('I'm not like them') differ from humble dependence on God's mercy?
- In what ways might you be tempted to measure your spiritual life by comparing yourself favorably to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men—the Greek phrase pros heauton (πρὸς ἑαυτόν) is devastating: 'with himself' or 'to himself.' His prayer never reaches God; it's self-congratulatory monologue. Eucharistō soi (εὐχαριστῶ σοι) means 'I thank you,' but his thanksgiving is comparison-based: ouk eimi hōsper hoi loipoi (οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποί)—'I am not like the rest.'
He lists categories: harpages (extortioners), adikoi (unjust), moichoi (adulterers), then points: ē kai hōs houtos ho telōnēs (ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης)—'or even as this tax collector.' His righteousness is comparative, not absolute. He measures himself by others, not by God's holiness, creating a religion of pride rather than grace.