KJV ORIGINAL
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Meanwhile, the tax collector stayed way in the back, couldn't even look up toward heaven. He was hitting his chest and saying, 'God, please have mercy on me — I know I've messed up.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Real humility before God starts with admitting you're not perfect.
📜 Historical Context — Why was this verse written?
The Gospel of Luke was written by a physician named Luke for an individual named Theophilus and a wider Gentile audience, likely in the 70s or 80s CE. It was written to provide an orderly and reliable account of Jesus's life and teachings, drawing on various sources, to strengthen the faith of its readers.
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