Luke 18 2

Luke 18:2 kjv

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

Luke 18:2 nkjv

saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.

Luke 18:2 niv

He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.

Luke 18:2 esv

He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.

Luke 18:2 nlt

"There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people.

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 2 Meaning

Luke 18:2 introduces a pivotal character in Jesus' parable: an unrighteous judge in an unnamed city. This judge is described by two crucial negations: he "feared not God" and he "neither regarded man." This paints a picture of a morally bankrupt individual who operated without accountability to divine authority or human respect, driven solely by self-interest. His character is the foil against which the perseverance of the widow and the justice of God are highlighted.

Luke 18 2 Context

Luke 18 begins with Jesus telling a parable "to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). Verse 2 immediately introduces the central characters of this parable: an unjust judge and a persistent widow. The verse serves to establish the incredibly difficult nature of the obstacle the widow faces, thereby magnifying the power of her perseverance and highlighting the contrast between the corrupt judge and a righteous God.

Historically, the position of a judge in Jewish society was one of significant responsibility and honor, charged with upholding God's law (Deut 1:16-17, 16:18-20). However, the period of Roman occupation often saw corruption and oppression, where those in power, like this judge, might disregard divine laws and human suffering for personal gain or convenience. This judge, whether Roman or Jewish but acting without God's fear, represents a common experience for vulnerable people seeking justice in that era, amplifying the parable's realism and immediate resonance for its audience.

Luke 18 2 Word analysis

• Saying, (λέγων - legōn): A participle, indicating that Jesus is continuing to speak or narrate. It serves as a direct transition from the stated purpose of the parable in Luke 18:1 to the beginning of the story itself.

• There was (ἦν - ēn): A simple past tense verb "was" or "existed." It immediately sets the scene, indicating the introduction of a specific entity or situation within the narrative.

• in a city (ἔν τινι πόλει - en tini polei):

  • τίνι (tini) meaning "a certain" or "some." This specific yet indefinite article highlights that this is not about one specific place but about a type of place where such an official might exist. It gives the parable a universal applicability, indicating that unjust rulers could be found anywhere.
  • πόλει (polei) means "city." This designates a populated center where judicial proceedings would occur and where the interaction between judge and citizen would be commonplace.

• a judge, (κριτής - kritēs):

  • Derived from κρίνω (krinō), meaning "to judge" or "to decide." A kritēs is one appointed to administer law and deliver justice.
  • In the Bible, a judge's role was divinely appointed to dispense justice according to God's law. This judge, however, immediately stands in contrast to the righteous standard for his office. He is introduced as a representative of legal authority, a person whose office demanded equity but whose character defied it.

• which feared not God, (ὃς τὸν Θεὸν οὐκ ἐφοβεῖτο - hos ton Theon ouk ephobeito):

  • οὐκ ἐφοβεῖτο (ouk ephobeito) means "did not fear" (imperfect tense, suggesting a habitual lack of fear).
  • "Fear of God" (φοβος Θεου - phobos Theou) in biblical theology signifies profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect for God's holiness and authority. It is foundational to wisdom and righteous living (Prov 1:7; Psa 111:10; Eccl 12:13).
  • This phrase indicates the judge's utter lack of spiritual or moral compass. He has no accountability to a higher power, no inner restraint stemming from divine standards, which fundamentally shapes his character as unjust. He lives as if God does not exist or as if God's will is irrelevant to him.

• neither regarded man: (οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐνετρέπετο - oude anthrōpon enetrepets):

  • οὐδὲ (oude) means "neither... nor," reinforcing the absolute nature of his depravity.
  • ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) means "man" or "human being," signifying he regarded no person.
  • ἐνετρέπετο (enetrepets) is from ἐντρέπω (entrepō), which can mean "to turn oneself toward," "to revere," "to have respect for," or "to feel shame before." In this context, it implies that the judge lacked respect, reverence, or even simple embarrassment or shame for the people he was meant to serve. He felt no obligation to be just for their sake.
  • This describes his total lack of social conscience, empathy, or concern for the well-being, rights, or dignity of others. He was unresponsive to human needs or pleas, operating purely on his own terms.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "feared not God, neither regarded man": This powerful dual negation comprehensively defines the judge's unrighteous character. It highlights his total detachment from both vertical (God-ward) and horizontal (man-ward) moral obligations. Without fear of God, he had no ultimate moral framework or accountability for his actions; without regard for man, he lacked compassion, empathy, or social conscience. This describes a complete moral vacuum, establishing the judge as a profoundly difficult figure from whom to obtain justice, setting up the radical contrast with the compassionate and just character of God that the parable will reveal.

Luke 18 2 Bonus section

• The judge serves as a 'contrast model' rather than a direct analogy for God. Jesus' parables often use contrasting figures to illuminate a divine truth. The worse the judge's character, the greater the comfort derived from God's perfectly opposite character.
• The term ἐνετρέπετο (enetrepets) implies not just "no regard" but also "no shame." This means the judge was utterly unconcerned by how others perceived him or his unjust actions, showcasing a remarkable arrogance and moral insensitivity.
• The use of the imperfect tense for εφοβεῖτο (feared) and ενετρέπετο (regarded/shamed) suggests a continual or habitual state of being, not a momentary lapse. This was the judge's fixed character.

Luke 18 2 Commentary

Luke 18:2 lays the groundwork for the parable of the persistent widow by introducing its antagonist: a judge devoid of fundamental virtues. His character is presented through a stark dual negative: he possesses neither divine reverence nor human respect. This declaration signifies complete spiritual and social disconnection; he is unswayed by either divine decree or public opinion. The "fear of God" in the biblical sense is not terror, but profound respect, a recognition of God's sovereign authority and a desire to live righteously before Him—it is the very foundation of wisdom and moral order. This judge, however, lacks this foundational awe. Furthermore, his lack of "regard for man" (or concern, shame, or respect) indicates a complete absence of empathy or social accountability. He operates without internal moral constraint or external pressure from societal expectations. This profound unrighteousness establishes an extreme contrast, serving as a powerful negative example: if even such a depraved official can be swayed by relentless persistence, how much more will the perfectly righteous and compassionate God respond to the earnest prayers of His elect? The judge's wickedness serves to magnify God's gracious character.