John Bengel Commentary - Luke 18:11 - 18:11

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John Bengel Commentary - Luke 18:11 - 18:11


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Luk 18:11. Σταθεὶς, standing[199]) confidently, in his wonted place. This reciprocal form [having taken his stand, having stationed himself] denotes more than the neuter ἑστὼς, used of the publican presently after, in Luk 18:13.-πρὸς ἑαυτόν) praying as one dependent on himself (“penes se ipsum,” at his own disposal), giving ear to himself, as though he could bear no man to be next him. Comp. in Luk 18:9, πεποιθότας ἐφʼ ἑαυτοῖς, “who trusted in themselves.”-εὐχαριστῶ, I give thee thanks) By using this formula the Pharisee seems indeed to praise God [For it is with good reason, and deservedly, that thanks are rendered to GOD for deliverance from natural (temporal) destruction, if indeed that be done with truth and humility.-V. g.], but in reality he congratulates (prides) himself alone on his felicity: it is of himself alone that he speaks.-οἱ λοιποὶ, the rest of men) The Pharisee divides mankind into two classes: in the one class he groups together the whole human race; the second, that is the better class, he seems to himself alone to constitute.-ἅρπαγες, rapacious [extortioners]) He takes it as an established certainty, that the first and foremost class of sinners is that one under which he thinks the publican is included; in order that he may stigmatize him both in general with the rest of the class and also individually. The saving of the old poet accords with this: πάντες τελῶναι, πάντες εἰσὶν ἅρπαγες, all publicans (tax-gatherers) are all extortioners. See Gataker, Misc. posth. c. x.-οὗτος, this) Such language is indeed “the putting forth of the finger” [to point at in supercilious contempt and self-righteousness]: Isa 58:9.

[199] Comp. Isa 65:5, “Who say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.”-E. and T.