The Pharisee and the Publican Parable — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on the pharisee and the publican parable, 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)
Who told this parable?
Answer: Jesus unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others
Study note. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. (Luke 18:9)
Lesson 2 · Luke 18:10 (KJV)
Where did the two men go to pray?
Answer: Up into the temple
Study note. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (Luke 18:10)
Lesson 3 · Luke 18:11 (KJV)
How did the Pharisee pray?
Answer: God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican
Study note. 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. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (Luke 18:11-12)
Lesson 4 · Luke 18:13 (KJV)
Where did the publican stand?
Answer: Afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast
Study note. 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)
Lesson 5 · Luke 18:13 (KJV)
What did the publican say?
Answer: God be merciful to me a sinner
Study note. God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13)
Lesson 6 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
Which man went down to his house justified?
Answer: The publican rather than the other
Study note. 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. (Luke 18:14)
Lesson 7 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
What does the parable say about those who exalt themselves?
Answer: Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased
Study note. For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14)
Lesson 8 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
What does it say about those who humble themselves?
Answer: He that humbleth himself shall be exalted
Study note. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14)
Lesson 9 · Luke 18:11 (KJV)
What was wrong with the Pharisee's prayer?
Answer: He trusted in himself and despised others, boasting of his own righteousness
Study note. The Pharisee's prayer was self-righteous and proud — he trusted in his own works and looked down on others, rather than humbly seeking God's mercy. (Luke 18:11-14)
Lesson 10 · Luke 18:14 (KJV)
What does this parable teach about justification?
Answer: It comes by humble repentance and faith in God's mercy, not by self-righteousness
Study note. The publican was justified because he recognized his sinfulness and cast himself entirely on God's mercy, while the Pharisee trusted in his own works. (Luke 18:14)
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 the pharisee and the publican parable 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?