Luke 18:11 (ESV)

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus:

“God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.”

Context (Luke 18:10–14)

This verse opens Jesus’ parable contrasting two prayers offered in the temple:

• Luke 18:10–12: The Pharisee prays boastfully in comparison to others :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Luke 18:13: The tax collector prays humbly, pleading, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Luke 18:14: Jesus teaches that the humble tax collector, not the self-righteous Pharisee, is justified before God :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Commentary

This verse highlights the contrast between pride and humility. The Pharisee’s prayer is self-focused, using comparisons to assert moral superiority—all without any repentance or plea for grace :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Jesus’ message is clear: humility, not self-righteousness, leads to justification in God’s eyes.