standing: i.e. in. position of humility.
afar off. Compare Psalms 40:12.Ezra 9:6.
not... so much as. not even. Greek. ou (App-105.) oude.
unto. Greek. eis. App-104.
heaven. the heaven. Singular. See note on Matthew 6:9; Matthew 6:10.
smote, &c.. was smiting, &c., or, began to smite. Expressive of mental grief. Compare Luke 23:48; Jeremiah 31:19; Nahum 2:7.
upon. Greek. eis; but all the texts omit.
be merciful. be propitiated or reconciled (through the atoning blood sprinkled on the mercy-seat). Greek. hilaskomai. Compare Exodus 25:17; Exodus 25:18; Exodus 25:21.Romans 3:25.Hebrews 2:17. Used in the Septuagint in connexion with the mercy-seat (Greek. hilasterion). Hebrews 9:5.
a sinner. the sinner (compare 1 Timothy 1:15). Greek. hamartolos. Compare App-128.