Key Verse Spotlight
Luke 18:13 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" 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
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
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.
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.
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.
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
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From This Chapter
Luke 18:1
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
Luke 18:2
"Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:"
Luke 18:3
"And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary."
Luke 18:4
"And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;"
Luke 18:5
"Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
Luke 18:6
"And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith."
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