Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the pharisee and the publican, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 18:9 (KJV)
To whom did Jesus speak this parable?
Answer: Certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous
Study note. Unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.
Lesson 2 · Luke 18:10 (KJV)
Where did the two men go?
Answer: Up into the temple to pray
Study note. Two men went up into the temple to pray.
Lesson 3 · Luke 18:10 (KJV)
Who were they?
Answer: A Pharisee and a publican
Study note. The one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Lesson 4 · Luke 18:11 (KJV)
How did the Pharisee pray?
Answer: With himself
Study note. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself.
Lesson 5 · Luke 18:11 (KJV)
What did the Pharisee thank God for?
Answer: That he was not as other men are
Study note. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are.
Lesson 6 · Luke 18:12 (KJV)
How often did the Pharisee fast?
Answer: Twice a week
Study note. I fast twice in the week.
Lesson 7 · Luke 18:13 (KJV)
What did the publican do as he stood afar off?
Answer: Smote upon his breast
Study note. Smote upon his breast.
Lesson 8 · Luke 18:13 (KJV)
What did the publican pray?
Answer: God be merciful to me a sinner
Study note. God be merciful to me a sinner.
Lesson 9 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
Which man went down justified?
Answer: The publican
Study note. This man went down to his house justified rather than the other.
Lesson 10 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
What principle closes the parable?
Answer: Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased
Study note. Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the pharisee and the publican point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?