Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 18:11. It's a really important and thought-provoking passage about faith and generosity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a man who was in a situation where he was feeling ungrateful or worried about something. He was essentially praying to himself – “God, I’m not like these other people…” He’s expressing a sense of inadequacy and perhaps feeling like he doesn't deserve good things. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The Pharisee stood…” : This tells us who is involved. A "Pharisee" was a Jewish man during the time Jesus lived, known for their wealth and lavish lifestyles. They were often seen as being overly concerned with appearances and status. “…and prayed thus with himself, God…” : He wasn’t praying to God for something specific. It's more like a quiet, internal lament – he was thinking about his own shortcomings. “I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are]” : This is the crucial part. "Other men" refers to people who are considered to be unworthy or deficient . He’s acknowledging that he isn't like those others – he doesn’t have the same level of wealth, status, or moral failings. "...extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." : This is where it gets powerful. Jesus is comparing him to a "publican." A publican was considered a tax collector – someone who secretly collected money for the government. They were often seen as dishonest and unrighteous. He’s saying he doesn't have the same level of moral integrity or generosity as this person. So, what does it mean in a broader sense? The verse essentially says that true faith isn’t about boasting about your good deeds or feeling superior. It's about recognizing your own weaknesses and turning away from them. It encourages us to be humble and grateful, not because we deserve something, but because we already have God's grace – His love and forgiveness – which is enough. Why is this important? Jesus is saying that true faith isn’t about getting something; it’s about being a person of faith. It's about recognizing our flaws and turning to God for strength and salvation, rather than focusing on external rewards or accomplishments. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?