Luke 18:13

Afar off] viz. from the Pharisee, whom, in his humility, he thought far more righteous than himself. Would not lift up] Since the rabbis forbade the eyes to be raised to heaven during prayer (see Matthew 6:5), it is necessary to suppose that there was some special indication of humility in the publican's attitude. Be merciful, etc.] lit. 'be propitiated to me the sinner.' 'As the Pharisee had singled himself out as the one holy in the world, so the publican singles himself out as the chief of sinners, the man in whom all sins have met—a characteristic trait! for who, when first truly convinced of sin, thinks any man's sins can equal his own (1 Timothy 1:15)?' (Trench).