Luke 18:11

Stood. A not infrequently assumed posture during prayer (see 1 Sam. 1:26; 1 Kings 8:14, 22; Matt. 6:5; Mark 11:25; see on Neh. 8:5; Dan. 6:10).

With himself. That is, inaudibly, perhaps with his lips moving, or in an undertone. Apparently he was addressing himself rather than God. Possibly the Pharisee stood aloof from the other worshipers gathered in the Temple courts, as if he were too good to be closely associated with them, even in prayer.

God, I thank thee. Undoubtedly what he really meant was, “God, you should be thankful to have a person like me among those who have come to worship you. I am incomparably superior to the common herd.”

As other men. Literally, “as the rest of men,” that is, all other human beings (see on v. 9). The common herd fell far short of his exalted standard of self-righteousness. It is never safe to determine our measure of righteousness by comparison with our fellow men, whatever their state may be (see on Matt. 5:48). In striking contrast with the Pharisee, Paul considered himself the chief of sinners (see 1 Tim. 1:15).

Extortioners. Gr. harpages, “ones who snatch away,” “rapacious ones”; hence, “robbers,” or “extortioners” (see on Matt. 7:15; Luke 11:39). The Pharisee begins a recital of his negative virtues. These, he is confident, will endear him to God. He draws up an oral list of some sins of which he is not guilty. He is thankful for his own virtues rather than for God’s righteousness and mercy. He is grateful that he has, by diligent effort, kept strictly within the letter of the law, but seems utterly oblivious of the spirit that must accompany true obedience in order to make it acceptable in God’s sight.

Unjust. Or, “unrighteous.” He had not openly broken the law.

Adulterers. See on Matt. 5:27-32.

Or even as this publican. The word “this” is probably used here, not only to designate the publican, but also to express contempt concerning him (see on chs. 14:30; 15:2). “This publican” was particularly conspicuous, because he could be seen “standing afar off” from the crowd, in another direction (ch. 18:13). As the Pharisee’s eye detects the presence of this social scapegrace, he prays, as it were, “There, Lord, is a specimen of what I mean — that detestable tax collector. I rejoice that I am not a scoundrel as he is.”