Luke 18:13

But the tax collector stood far from the other people in the Temple courtyard because he felt very unworthy. He would not even look up toward heaven. Instead, he beat on his chest to show that he was sorry for his sin. He said, ‘God, I am a sinner; be merciful to me and forgive me!’”

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

In Context

12Our law says that we(exc) should ◄fast/abstain from food► once a week, but I do more than that. I fast twice a week! I give you ten percent of all that I earn!’

14Then Jesus said, “I tell you (pl) that as the tax collector went home, the record of his sins was erased { God erased the record of his sins}, not that of the Pharisee. Remember this: Those who exalt themselves will be humbled { God will humble all those who exalt themselves}, but those who humble themselves will be exalted { he will exalt those who humble themselves}.”

Read all of Luke 18

Cross References

2 Chronicles 33:12There, while he was suffering, he humbled himself greatly in the presence of Yahweh, the God whom his ancestors worshiped, and pleaded with Yahweh to help him.

2 Chronicles 33:23But he did not humble himself and turn to Yahweh like his father did. So he became more sinful than his father had been.

Job 42:6Therefore I ◄am ashamed of/withdraw► what I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show that I am sorry for what I said.”

Psalms 25:11Yahweh, forgive me for all my sins, which are many, in order that I may honor you [MTY].

Psalms 41:4When I was sick, I said, “Yahweh, be merciful to me and heal me; I know that I am sick because I have sinned against you.”

Psalms 86:15But Lord, you always are mercifully and kind; you do not become angry quickly, you faithfully love us very much and always do for us what you have promised to do.

Matthew Henry on Luke 18:10-15

The Pharisee and the Publican. 9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 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. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not… Read the whole commentary →

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