Luke 18:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus gives the verdict: the tax collector, not the Pharisee, goes home right with God — for the self-exalting are humbled and the humble are lifted up.
What Does Luke 18:14 Mean?
The reversal would have stunned the first hearers. 'Justified' is the language of the court: declared in the right, accepted before God. The man with the spotless record leaves with nothing; the man with nothing but a plea for mercy leaves accepted. Then Jesus widens the verdict into a law of his kingdom: everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Here is the gospel in miniature. Mercy cannot be claimed as wages, only received as a gift — and asking is the one thing pride will not do. The way down is the way up. The door God opens is low, and all who bow may enter it.
Luke 18:14 in the Original Language
dikaioo (δικαιόω), 'justified' -- declared righteous, set right with God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 18:14
What does Luke 18:14 mean?
Jesus gives the verdict: the tax collector, not the Pharisee, goes home right with God — for the self-exalting are humbled and the humble are lifted up.