Luke 18 1

Luke 18:1 kjv

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Luke 18:1 nkjv

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

Luke 18:1 niv

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1 esv

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1 nlt

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 1 Meaning

Luke 18:1 succinctly presents the didactic purpose of the parable that follows. Jesus, addressing His disciples and likely a broader audience, emphasized the critical importance for all people to consistently and without wavering engage in prayer. The verse highlights prayer not merely as an activity, but as an essential, ongoing disposition, specifically to prevent believers from losing spiritual resolve or becoming disheartened in their faith journey, particularly in anticipation of God's timing and justice.

Luke 18 1 Context

Luke 18:1 serves as a foundational introduction to the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:2-8). Prior to this, Jesus concluded a discourse on the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man (Luke 17:20-37), describing the suddenness and finality of His return, and emphasizing the need for watchfulness and preparedness. This preceding context of the eschatological realities sets the stage for the parable's instruction: if the end is coming, and judgment is at hand, how should believers live until then? The answer provided by verse 1 and the ensuing parable is through unceasing, persistent prayer. This particular parable uses a contrast (an unjust judge vs. a just God) to magnify the point, assuring believers that if a corrupt judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a righteous God respond to His elect's prayers.

Luke 18 1 Word analysis

• And He spoke: Greek: Ἔλεγεν (Elegen). The imperfect tense suggests a continuous action, implying that Jesus habitually or continually taught this principle, or that this was the purpose for which He delivered this specific parable. It highlights His intent behind the following story.
• a parable: Greek: παραβολὴν (parabolēn). A comparison, illustration, or a concise narrative designed to convey a spiritual or moral lesson. Jesus frequently employed parables as a central teaching method, allowing complex truths to be grasped through relatable stories.
• to them: Greek: αὐτοὺς (autous). The immediate context of Lk 17:22 indicates the disciples were the primary audience, but Jesus often taught larger crowds (e.g., Lk 17:20). The teaching's universal applicability suggests a broader audience too.
• to this end: Greek: πρὸς τὸ δεῖν (pros to dein). This phrase signifies the purpose or aim. It points to the intrinsic necessity or obligation (δεῖν - dein) of the following command. It is not merely a suggestion, but a crucial instruction.
• that men: Greek: τοὺς ἀνθρώπους (tous anthrōpous). Refers to humankind in general, indicating the universal nature and requirement of this teaching for all who would follow God.
• ought always: Greek: ἀεὶ δεῖν (aei dein).
  • ἀεί (aei): Means "always," "continually," "ever." It suggests constancy and a pervasive attitude rather than literal ceaseless vocal prayer (as clarified in 1 Thes 5:17, "pray without ceasing" means a spirit of constant reliance). It implies being ever ready and inclined to prayer.
  • δεῖν (dein): Denotes necessity or obligation, emphasizing that this is a divine imperative, not an option. It is what one "must" do.
• to pray: Greek: προσεύχεσθαι (proseuchesthai). This is the common New Testament verb for prayer, signifying communication with God, including supplication, worship, and devotion. It underscores the vital role of active communion with the Divine.
• and not: Greek: καὶ μὴ (kai mē). This is a strong negative particle combined with "and," serving as a definitive prohibition or counter-instruction. It emphatically warns against the opposite behavior.
• to faint: Greek: ἐκκακεῖν (ekkakein). This is a crucial word. It means "to lose heart," "to grow weary," "to be utterly spiritless," "to give up," "to faint away in the mind." It describes spiritual weariness, despair, or the cessation of effort due to discouragement. In this context, it refers specifically to giving up on prayer or losing faith in its efficacy. It is not about physical exhaustion, but spiritual despondency that leads to quitting.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He spoke a parable unto them to this end": This opening phrase immediately establishes the pedagogical intention of Jesus. It signals that the following narrative is not merely a story but a profound teaching designed to achieve a specific understanding or conviction in the audience. The "to this end" emphasizes the paramount importance of the lesson.
• "that men ought always to pray": This constitutes a direct command and revelation of divine expectation. The inclusion of "always" (ἀεί) signifies the enduring nature of prayer – not just in crisis, but as a lifestyle. The "ought" (δεῖν) points to prayer as a moral and spiritual imperative, a duty owed by humanity to God. It highlights that prayer is not just a personal comfort but a fundamental part of the human-divine relationship.
• "and not to faint": This clause serves as a critical counterpoint, identifying the negative outcome that prayer aims to prevent: spiritual exhaustion and giving up. "To faint" (ἐκκακεῖν) goes beyond physical fatigue; it refers to the loss of courage, resolve, and hope, particularly in the face of delayed answers, trials, or the seemingly distant Kingdom of God. This pairing (to pray and not to faint) indicates that persistent prayer is the primary antidote to spiritual discouragement and the key to endurance. It links consistent communion with God directly to maintaining spiritual vitality and hope.

Luke 18 1 Bonus section

The injunction "ought always to pray and not to faint" stands in powerful contrast to the common human inclination to resort to prayer only in times of dire need or to cease praying when answers are delayed. The original audience, accustomed to forms of Jewish prayer, would have understood the commitment implied. This teaching particularly challenges any tendency towards perfunctory prayer or a pragmatic view of God that discards prayer when results aren't immediately evident. The word "ekkakein" (to faint) found here is used elsewhere by Paul (2 Cor 4:1, 2 Cor 4:16, Gal 6:9) often in contexts of perseverance in ministry or good deeds, indicating that a failure in prayer leads to a broader spiritual exhaustion impacting all areas of discipleship. The context immediately following Jesus' teaching on the consummation of the age underscores that persistent prayer is vital for sustaining believers through the tribulations and waiting periods that precede the fullness of God's Kingdom. It is a fundamental practice for endurance in the eschatological tension of living in the 'already and not yet' of God's reign.

Luke 18 1 Commentary

Luke 18:1 serves as Jesus' direct statement regarding the critical life principle taught by the subsequent parable: the necessity for constant, unwavering prayer, and the dire consequence of spiritual fatigue. The verse is an exhortation against prayerlessness born of discouragement. "Always to pray" does not suggest a continuous verbal recitation but rather an ongoing attitude of reliance on God, a readiness to communicate with Him, and a persistent pursuit of His will. It means cultivating a life steeped in communion with God. "Not to faint" implies actively combating the tendency to grow weary or disheartened when prayers are not immediately answered or when difficulties persist. Jesus understood human weakness, the tendency to give up when trials are prolonged or God's timing is unclear, especially when anticipating the return of the Son of Man and the coming kingdom. Persistent prayer, as illuminated by the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, builds endurance and deepens faith. It assures believers that their appeals do not go unheard by a righteous God, even if the answer is delayed, for His purposes and timing are perfect. It's a call to trust in God's character even when circumstances are challenging.

Examples:

• A Christian continuously praying for a wayward child over many years, refusing to give up hope for their return to faith.
• A church consistently interceding for revival in their city, despite initial appearances of little change, trusting in God's sovereign timing.
• An individual facing a chronic illness, who continues to pray for healing, not abandoning faith even amidst prolonged suffering, believing in God's grace and ultimate plan.