went up
The act of going up is significant, as it indicates a physical and spiritual ascent. In Jewish tradition, going up to the temple in Jerusalem was not only a geographical movement but also a spiritual journey. The temple was situated on a hill, symbolizing closeness to God. This ascent represents the men's intention to seek divine presence and favor.

to the temple
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and atonement. The Greek word used here, "ἱερόν" (hieron), refers to the sacred precincts, highlighting the holiness and reverence associated with this location. The temple serves as the backdrop for the parable, underscoring the theme of true worship and humility before God.

to pray
Prayer is a central theme in this passage, representing communication with God. The Greek word "προσεύχομαι" (proseuchomai) implies a devotion and earnestness in seeking God's attention. This act of prayer is not merely ritualistic but is intended to be a sincere expression of the heart. The parable challenges the reader to consider the nature and attitude of their own prayers.

one a Pharisee
The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. The mention of a Pharisee immediately evokes an image of religious piety and self-righteousness. Historically, Pharisees were respected for their knowledge and observance of the Law, but Jesus often criticized them for their hypocrisy and pride. This sets up a contrast between outward religiosity and inward humility.

and the other a tax collector
Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society for their collaboration with the Roman occupiers and their reputation for extortion. The Greek term "τελώνης" (telōnēs) carries a negative connotation, representing sinfulness and social ostracism. By including a tax collector, Jesus challenges societal norms and expectations, highlighting God's grace and mercy towards the repentant sinner. This contrast with the Pharisee underscores the theme of humility and repentance.

The one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.--The two words would be more pictorially suggestive to the disciples than they are, at first, to us. They would see the Pharisee with his broad blue zizith, or fringe, and the Tephillin (=prayers), or phylacteries, fastened conspicuously on brow and shoulder; the publican in his common working dress, with no outward badge to testify that he was a child of the Covenant. Here, as in the case of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son (where see Notes), the parable may have stated actual facts. Of one such publican we read not long afterwards. (See Note on Luke 19:8.)

(1) because they belonged to the chosen race;

(2) because they rigidly and minutely obeyed the precepts of a singular code of laws, many of them devised by themselves and their fathers.

Upon these two grounds they claimed salvation, that is, eternal blissful life. Not content with this claim of their own, they condemned, with a sweeping, harsh condemnation, all other peoples, and even those of their own race who neglected rigidly to observe the ordinances and ritual of a law framed in great measure in the schools of their own rabbis. Two extreme instances are here chosen - a rigid, exclusive, self-satisfied member of the religious society of Israel; and a Jewish officer of the hated Roman government, who knew little or nothing of the Law, but yet who longed after a higher life, and craved for an inward peace which he evidently was far from possessing. These two, the Pharisee and the publican, both went up to God's holy house, the temple, with a view of drawing near to the eternal King.

Parallel Commentaries ...