Luke 18:14
New International Version
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

New Living Translation
I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

English Standard Version
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Berean Standard Bible
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Berean Literal Bible
I say to you, this one went down to his house justified, rather than that. For everyone exalting himself will be humbled; but the one humbling himself will be exalted."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

New American Standard Bible
I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other one; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

NASB 1995
“I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

NASB 1977
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Legacy Standard Bible
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Amplified Bible
I tell you, this man went to his home justified [forgiven of the guilt of sin and placed in right standing with God] rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself [forsaking self-righteous pride] will be exalted.”

Christian Standard Bible
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

American Standard Version
I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Contemporary English Version
Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."

English Revised Version
I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I can guarantee that this tax collector went home with God's approval, but the Pharisee didn't. Everyone who honors himself will be humbled, but the person who humbles himself will be honored."

Good News Translation
I tell you," said Jesus, "the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great."

International Standard Version
I tell you, this man, rather than the other one, went down to his home justified, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the person who humbles himself will be exalted."

Majority Standard Bible
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

NET Bible
I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

New Heart English Bible
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
"I tell you that this man went home more thoroughly absolved from guilt than the other; for every one who uplifts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be uplifted."

World English Bible
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I say to you, this one went down declared righteous, to his house, rather than that one: for everyone who is exalting himself will be humbled, and he who is humbling himself will be exalted.”

Berean Literal Bible
I say to you, this one went down to his house justified, rather than that. For everyone exalting himself will be humbled; but the one humbling himself will be exalted."

Young's Literal Translation
I say to you, this one went down declared righteous, to his house, rather than that one: for every one who is exalting himself shall be humbled, and he who is humbling himself shall be exalted.'

Smith's Literal Translation
I say to you, this one went down to his house justified rather than that one: for every one lifting up himself shall be humbled; and he humbling himself shall be lifted up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather that the other: because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I say to you, this one descended to his house justified, but not the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

New American Bible
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

New Revised Standard Version
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I say to you, that this man went down to his house more righteous than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I say to you that this one went down to his house justified rather than that Pharisee, for every man who exalts himself shall be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I say to you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For every one that exalts himself, shall be humbled; but he that humbles himself, shall be exalted.

Godbey New Testament
I say unto you, He went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one exalting himself shall be abased; and the one humbling himself shall be exalted.

Haweis New Testament
I say to you, Went this man down to his house justified, or the other? for every one who exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Mace New Testament
I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other, for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Weymouth New Testament
"I tell you that this man went home more thoroughly absolved from guilt than the other; for every one who uplifts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be uplifted."

Worrell New Testament
I say to you, this man went down justified to his house, rather than the other; because every one who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted."

Worsley New Testament
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for whoever exalteth himself shall be abased, but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Pharisee and Tax Collector
13But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 15Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.…

Cross References
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Philippians 2:8-9
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. / Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,

Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.

Ezekiel 21:26
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.

Job 22:29
When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

2 Chronicles 7:14
and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.


Treasury of Scripture

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

went.

Luke 5:24,25
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house…

Luke 7:47-50
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little…

1 Samuel 1:18
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

justified.

Luke 10:29
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

Luke 16:15
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

every.

Luke 1:52
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Luke 14:11
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Exodus 18:11
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Jump to Previous
Abased Absolved Approval Declared Exalted Exalteth Exalting Exalts God's Guilt High Home House Humbled Humbles Humbleth Humbling Justified Low Makes Rather Righteous Thoroughly Uplifted Uplifts
Jump to Next
Abased Absolved Approval Declared Exalted Exalteth Exalting Exalts God's Guilt High Home House Humbled Humbles Humbleth Humbling Justified Low Makes Rather Righteous Thoroughly Uplifted Uplifts
Luke 18
1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.














I tell you
This phrase is a direct assertion from Jesus, emphasizing the authority and certainty of His teaching. In the Greek, "λέγω ὑμῖν" (legō hymin) is used, which is a common expression in the Gospels where Jesus imparts a significant truth. It underscores the importance of the message that follows, inviting the listener to pay close attention to the divine wisdom being imparted.

this man, rather than the other
Here, Jesus contrasts the two individuals in the parable: the tax collector and the Pharisee. The tax collector, despised in Jewish society for his association with Roman oppressors and perceived corruption, is unexpectedly the one justified. This reversal challenges societal norms and religious expectations, highlighting God's grace and the value of genuine repentance over self-righteousness.

went home justified before God
The term "justified" (Greek: "δεδικαιωμένος," dedikaiōmenos) is a legal term meaning to be declared righteous. In the context of first-century Judaism, justification was a key concept, often associated with adherence to the Law. However, Jesus redefines it here, showing that it is not through works or status but through humility and repentance that one is made right with God. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of salvation by grace through faith.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled
This principle is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, reflecting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. The Greek word for "exalts" (ὑψῶν, hypsōn) implies lifting oneself up in pride. Historically, the Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law and often displayed a sense of superiority. Jesus warns that such pride leads to divine humbling, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 16:18).

but the one who humbles himself will be exalted
The Greek word for "humbles" (ταπεινῶν, tapeinōn) suggests a voluntary lowering of oneself, an attitude of meekness and submission. In the biblical context, humility is not weakness but strength under control, a recognition of one's need for God's mercy. The promise of exaltation is a future hope, pointing to the eschatological reversal where God will lift the humble to honor, as seen in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).

(14) This man went down to his house, justified rather than the other.--The Greek participle is in the perfect, implying a completed and abiding justification. There is something suggestive in the fact that the "house" is made the test in each case. Home-life is the test of the reality and acceptableness of our worship. The Pharisee, in spite of his self-fratulation, betrayed a conscience ill at ease by irritability, harshness, sitting in judgment upon others. The publican, not in spite of his self-condemnation, but by reason of it, went home with a new sense of peace, showing itself in a new gentleness and cheerfulness.

For every one that exalteth himself.--Comp. Note on Luke 14:11. What had there been said, in its bearing on man's outward life, and as shown by the judgment of men, is here transferred, the law remaining the same, to the higher regions of the spiritual life and to God's judgment. In both cases there is a needless variation in the English version, the Greek giving the same verb for both "abased" and "humbleth."

The lessons of the parable force themselves upon every reader. The spirit of religious egotism, however, is not easily exorcised, and we need, perhaps, to be reminded that the temper of the Pharisee may learn to veil itself in the language of the publican, men confessing that they are "miserable sinners," and resting, with a secret self-satisfaction in the confession; or that, conversely, the publican--i.e., the openly non-religious man--may cease to smite upon his breast, and may come to give God thanks that he is not as the Pharisee.

Verse 14. - 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 the publican was right; there was mercy even for him, all sin-stained though he was. The words with which the Lord closes his teaching are full of comfort. That prayer he tells us was heard and granted. The "I tell you" of Jesus here means, as Stier well puts it, "I tell you, for I know, I have seen, I have heard all this in many such a case, and in many such prayers." With this example of prayer favourably heard, there is surely no sin-burthened soul on earth who may not take courage in seeking God's face. One great object of this parable, we may believe, was to suggest some such thoughts, to embolden sorrowful, heart-broken sinners simply to go to God, trusting in his great pitying love. It should not be forgotten that the publican's prayer was heard in the temple; a silent approval seems given to his having thus sought out the appointed consecrated place of prayer.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

this [man],
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

rather than
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

[the Pharisee],
ἐκεῖνον (ekeinon)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

went home
κατέβη (katebē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.

justified.
δεδικαιωμένος (dedikaiōmenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1344: From dikaios; to render just or innocent.

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

everyone
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

exalts
ὑψῶν (hypsōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5312: (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.

himself
ἑαυτὸν (heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

will be humbled,
ταπεινωθήσεται (tapeinōthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

humbles
ταπεινῶν (tapeinōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

himself
ἑαυτὸν (heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

will be exalted.”
ὑψωθήσεται (hypsōthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5312: (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.


Links
Luke 18:14 NIV
Luke 18:14 NLT
Luke 18:14 ESV
Luke 18:14 NASB
Luke 18:14 KJV

Luke 18:14 BibleApps.com
Luke 18:14 Biblia Paralela
Luke 18:14 Chinese Bible
Luke 18:14 French Bible
Luke 18:14 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 18:14 I tell you this man went down (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 18:13
Top of Page
Top of Page