# 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. Alternate translation: "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. Alternate translation: "hit his breast to show his sorrow" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# God, have mercy on me, a sinner

"God, please be merciful to me. I am a sinner" or "God, please have mercy on me even though I have committed many sins"