merciful
Greek, "hilaskomai", used in the Septuagint and New Testament in connection with the mercy-seat (Exodus 25:17); (Exodus 25:18); (Exodus 25:21); (Hebrews 9:5). As an instructed Jew, the publican is thinking, not of mere mercy, but of the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.
( See Scofield) - (Leviticus 16:5).
"Propitiation,"
( See Scofield) - (Romans 3:25).
His prayer might be paraphrased, "Be toward me as thou are when thou lookest upon the atoning blood." The Bible knows nothing of divine forgiveness apart from sacrifice.
( See Scofield) - (Matthew 26:28).
merciful
That is, propitiated.
sinner
Sin
( See Scofield) - (Romans 3:23).