Luke Chapter 18, Verse 12
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12: νηστευω δις του σαββατου αποδεκατω παντα οσα κτωμαι
12: I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
12: I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.
I fast twice, &c. This was probably the Jewish custom. The Pharisees
are said to have fasted regularly on the second and fifth days of every
week in private. This was in addition to the public days of fasting
required in the law of Moses, and they therefore made more a matter of
merit of it be cause it was voluntary.
I give tithes. A tithe means the tenth part of a thing. A tenth part of the possessions of the Jews was required for the support of the Levites, Num 18:21. In addition to the tithes required strictly by law, the Pharisees had tithed everything which they possessed -- even the smallest matters -- as mint, anise, cummin, &c., Lk 11:42. It was this, probably, on which he so particularly prided himself. As this could not be proved to be strictly required in the law, it had more the appearance of great piety, and therefore he particularly dwelt on it.
I possess. This may mean either all which I have, or all which I pain or acquire. It is not material which meaning be considered the true one. The religion of the Pharisee, therefore, not seeking a religion that should dwell in the heart and regulate the feelings; and in making public and ostentatious professions of his own goodness. Most of all was this abominable in the sight of God, who looks into the heart, and who sees wickedness there when the external actions may be blameless.
