Luke 18:12I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.'
The setting
The Pharisee continues his self-congratulatory prayer, listing his religious achievements. He fasted Mondays and Thursdays beyond the required Day of Atonement. Modern location: Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: frustrated with religious systems that missed God's heart entirely
The original word
dekatoo (δεκατόω) — to give a tenth, but he tithed even herbs and spices beyond requirements
Why it matters
Jewish law only required fasting on the Day of Atonement, but Pharisees added voluntary fasts twice weekly
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 18:12
He tithed 'all that I get' (ktaomai) — even things he bought at market that may have already been tithed
Common misconceptionPeople think Jesus is condemning fasting and tithing, but he's condemning the prideful attitude that uses good works as a basis for comparison and self-righteousness
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 18:12
Bible Genome reading
Luke 18:12 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 18:12 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. The setting is the Temple. These words are attributed to Pharisee. The dominant emotion in this verse is grateful, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include religious practices, self-promotion. Notable phrases: fast twice a week; give tithes of all. This verse is a prayer.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grateful
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
“It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
— Acts 2:21
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”
— Ephesians 2:8
“So now it wasn't you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land o…”
— Genesis 45:8
Your reflection
What does Luke 18:12 mean to you, today?
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