Luke 18:12
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαββάτου
in the week
G4521
σαββάτου
in the week
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
4 of 8
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
Cross References
Luke 11:42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.Matthew 9:14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?Luke 17:10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.Matthew 6:1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Malachi 3:8Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Historical Context
Jewish law required one fast annually—Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16). Pharisees added voluntary fasts twice weekly as piety displays. Tithing was required on grain, wine, and oil (Deuteronomy 14:22-23), but Pharisees extended it to garden herbs like mint, dill, and cumin. These 'fence around the law' practices aimed to prevent accidentally breaking God's commands, but became badges of superiority rather than expressions of love for God.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes religious disciplines like fasting and tithing dangerous when used as grounds for self-righteousness?
- How can you practice spiritual disciplines as responses to grace rather than attempts to earn God's favor?
- What warning does this verse give about going 'beyond requirements' while missing the heart of true righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess—the Pharisee's resume of religious performance. Nēsteuō dis tou sabbatou (νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου) means 'I fast twice per week'—Mondays and Thursdays, beyond the single required annual fast (Day of Atonement). Apodekatoō panta hosa ktōmai (ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι)—'I tithe all that I acquire,' even herbs and spices beyond the law's requirements (Matthew 23:23).
These works aren't inherently wrong—fasting and tithing are biblical. The problem is using them as grounds for self-justification. He trusts his performance, not God's mercy. Paul later confessed similar credentials (Philippians 3:4-6) but counted them as loss compared to knowing Christ. Religion without grace produces pride; grace produces humility.