What Is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican?
What Is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican? Jesus contrasted a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector—only the publican who cried 'God be merciful to me a sinner' went home justified.
Key verse: Luke 18:13 (KJV)
Jesus contrasted a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector—only the publican who cried 'God be merciful to me a sinner' went home justified.
Jesus contrasted a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector—only the publican who cried 'God be merciful to me a sinner' went home justified.
"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." — Luke 18:13 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus told this parable to those who trusted in their own righteousness. A Pharisee stood and prayed boastfully, thanking God that he was not like other sinners. Meanwhile, a publican (tax collector) stood far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, and beat his breast saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.' Jesus declared that the publican went home justified rather than the Pharisee, 'for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.' This parable teaches that God responds to genuine humility and repentance, not religious performance.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
How Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Quiz
Two men went up to the temple to pray (Luke 18).
The Pharisee and the Publican Parable Quiz
Pride versus humility — two men go up to pray, but only one goes down justified.
What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow?
Prayer & Worship
Does God Answer Prayer?
Prayer & Worship
What does the Bible say about prayer?
Prayer & Worship
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:13 • Forgiveness & Grace
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.