Luke 18:9

This parable. [The Pharisee and the Publican, Luke 18:9-14; on parables see pp. 203-207.] There is no apparent connection between this parable and the preceding one about the unjust judge, and there seems to be no way of knowing whether the two were given upon the same occasion. This parable, like the preceding one, was probably given about the month of March, A.D. 31, somewhere in the region of Peraea.

Trusted in themselves. Though they are not named specifically, it is clear that Jesus has the Pharisees particularly in mind. This is emphasized by the fact that it is a Pharisee who, in the parable, is set forth as an example of one who “trusted” in himself that he was “righteous” and who “despised others.” Scribes and Pharisees had been present upon recent occasions when Jesus was teaching (see on chs. 15:2; 16:14; 17:20), and were probably present also now. In his introduction to the parable Luke points out that it is addressed to those who have faith “in themselves” rather than in God (see ch. 18:8, 9). Theirs is a false faith, in contrast with the true faith God would have them develop. For an illustration of the frame of mind of the Pharisees, “which trusted in themselves,” see Paul’s description of himself as a Pharisee (Phil. 3:4-6).

That they were righteous. That is, according to their own standards of righteousness, which Pharisees in general scrupulously lived up to, or at least pretended to live up to. The Pharisaic standard of righteousness consisted in strict observance of the laws of Moses and of rabbinical traditions. It was, essentially, righteousness by works. The Pharisaic, legalistic concept of righteousness operated on the premise that salvation was to be earned by observing a certain pattern of conduct, and gave little or no attention to the necessary devotion of the heart to God and the transformation of a man’s motives and objectives in life. The Pharisees emphasized the letter of the law, ignoring the spirit of it. The concept that outward conformity to divine requirements was all that God asked, irrespective of the motive that prompted compliance with them, actuated their thinking and living. At various times Jesus had warned His disciples and others against this formalistic approach to salvation (see on Matt. 5:20; 16:6; Luke 12:1).

Despised. Gr. exoutheneo, “to make of no account,” “to despise utterly,” or “to treat with contempt.” This word is also translated “set at nought” (Luke 23:11; Acts 4:11; Rom. 14:10) and “contemptible” (2 Cor. 10:10). Those who consider themselves paragons of virtue tend to view their fellow men with contempt.

Others. Literally, “the rest,” meaning, “all others.” That is, the Pharisees treated with contempt all those who did not acknowledge their definition of “righteousness” and did not order their lives accordingly.