en_tn/luk/18/13.md

(Jesus continues to speak to these people.)

lift up his eyes to heaven

This is a metaphor that means "look toward heaven" or "look upward." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

hit his breast

This is a physical expression of great sorrow, and shows this man's repentance and humility.

God be merciful to me a sinner

This could be translated as "God, please have mercy on me even though I am a terrible sinner," or "God please be merciful to me. I am a great sinner."

this man

this man- "the tax collector"

rather than the other

"rather than the other man" or "instead of the other man" or "and not the other man." This can also be translated as "but the other man was not justified."

because everyone who exalts himself...

With this phrase, Jesus switches from the story to state the general principle that the story illustrates.

exalted

"greatly honored"