en_tn/luk/18/13.md

Connecting Statement:

Jesus has finished telling his parable. In verse 14, he comments about what the parable teaches.

standing at a distance

"stood away from the Pharisee." This was a sign of humility. He did not feel worthy to be near the Pharisee.

lift up his eyes to heaven

To "lift up his eyes" means to look at something. AT: "look toward heaven" or "look upward" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

hit his breast

This is a physical expression of great sorrow, and shows this man's repentance and humility. AT: "hit his breast to show his sorrow" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction)

God, be merciful to me, a sinner

"God, please have mercy on me, even though I am a terrible sinner" or "God, please be merciful to me. I am a great sinner"

this man went back down to his house justified

He was justified because God forgave his sin. AT: "God forgave the tax collector" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

rather than the other

"rather than the other man" or "and not the other man." AT: "but God did not forgive the Pharisee" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

because everyone who exalts himself

With this phrase, Jesus switches from the story to state the general principle that the story illustrates.

will be humbled

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will humble" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)

will be exalted

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will greatly honor" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)