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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.
NIV The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
NASB The Pharisee stood and began praying this in regard to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, crooked, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
CSB The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
NLT The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer : ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people — cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
KJV 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.
NKJV The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

What does Luke 18:11 mean?

Jesus' parable begins with a Pharisee and a tax collector at the temple, praying (Luke 18:10). Pharisees are known for being rule-followers. They not only obey the Mosaic law, but they also create and follow extra rules that specifically define the Mosaic law. Tax collectors are known for working with Gentiles and demanding more money from the people than is reasonable. They are ceremonially and morally unclean. Where Pharisees are generally admired by the people, tax collectors are openly despised.

Pharisees cling to their reputation of being more righteous than anyone else. Even Jesus notes their righteous acts (Matthew 5:20). The Pharisee's prayer reflects this. He contrasts himself to swindlers, crooks, the unfaithful, and tax collectors. He may even think he's better than his fellow sect members. Jesus criticizes Pharisees for being swindlers, using the Mosaic law to bank money that should go to the care of their elderly parents (Mark 7:10–13). In some way Jesus doesn't clarify, they unjustly "devour widows' houses" (Mark 12:40). They commit adultery against God by loving their manmade traditions more than God's Law (Mark 7:6–9).

This Pharisee would do far better to emulate the man he condemns. The Pharisee holds up his legalistic deeds—which may have ulterior motives—as if they are good works deserving of praise. The tax collector knows he is a sinner and humbly begs for mercy. The Pharisee cheats God and seeks people's acclaim. The tax collector has cheated people—or so this parable assumes—but seeks God's forgiveness (Luke 18:12–14).

The only certainly true statement made by the Pharisee is that he is not like the tax collector.
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