Book of Luke - Chapter 18 - Verse 10

In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about two men who went up to the temple to pray. One of the men is a Pharisee, a religious leader known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law and traditions. The other man is a publican, a tax collector who was considered a sinner and an outcast in Jewish society. The Pharisee stands and prays loudly, thanking God for his own righteousness and listing all the ways he is better than others, including the publican. However, the publican stands at a distance, beats his breast in humility, and asks for God's mercy, acknowledging his own sinfulness. This parable teaches us the importance of humility and repentance in prayer. It illustrates that God values a humble and contrite heart over religious self-righteousness. By sharing this story, Jesus challenges his listeners to examine their own attitudes towards prayer and reminds them that true righteousness comes from a humble heart before God.

In this verse from the Gospel of Luke, the theological interpretation can be focused on the contrast between the Pharisee and the publican who both go up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, known for strict adherence to religious laws and rituals, represents self-righteousness and pride. His prayer is one of self-exaltation, thanking God for his perceived superiority over others. On the other hand, the publican, considered a sinner in society, humbly acknowledges his unworthiness before God, asking for mercy and forgiveness. This illustrates a message of humility and repentance over arrogance and judgment of others. A deeper word study can be done on the terms "Pharisee" and "publican" to understand their cultural and religious connotations in the context of the biblical narrative. Through this verse, the importance of humility, true repentance, and the acceptance of all who come before God in sincerity is emphasized.