Luke 18 4

Luke 18:4 kjv

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Luke 18:4 nkjv

And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man,

Luke 18:4 niv

"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think,

Luke 18:4 esv

For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man,

Luke 18:4 nlt

The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people,

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 4 Meaning

Luke 18:4 reveals the internal, depraved reasoning of the unjust judge within the Parable of the Persistent Widow. Initially unwilling to grant the widow justice, he eventually reasons with himself to change his stance, explicitly stating that his motivation is neither the fear of God nor respect for humanity. This verse starkly portrays his complete lack of moral compass and underscores his self-serving, cynical pragmatism, setting up the profound contrast with God's just and caring nature.

Luke 18 4 Context

Luke 18:4 is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8). This parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the coming of the Kingdom of God and the need for patient endurance (Luke 17:20-37). Jesus introduces the parable in Luke 18:1 with a clear purpose: "to show them that they should always pray and not give up." The setting of the parable involves a city where a judge, notoriously without moral restraint, operates. Verse 4 details his private, cynical calculus that eventually leads him to act, not out of righteousness, but out of convenience and a desire to avoid persistent annoyance. The immediate chapter context establishes this judge as a stark foil, contrasting his character and motivations with the loving and just character of God, thereby encouraging unwavering faith and persistence in prayer even in difficult times. Historically, Roman legal systems, though structured, were susceptible to corruption, making the judge's character tragically relatable to the original audience.

Luke 18 4 Word analysis

• And for a while he would not: This phrase indicates the judge's initial resistance and stubbornness. The Greek term for "would not" (οὐκ ἠθέλησεν - ouk ēthelēsen) conveys a deliberate unwillingness or refusal. It shows his intrinsic disinclination towards justice or benevolence. His refusal was not based on legal merit but personal will.
• but afterward: (μετὰ ταῦτα - meta tauta) This marks a pivotal shift in the judge's internal disposition. It signifies a temporal change, revealing that his mind was eventually altered. This alteration, however, is not rooted in a change of heart or moral conviction, but a strategic decision.
• he said within himself: (εἶπεν ἐν ἑαυτῷ - eipen en heautō) This powerful phrase highlights an internal monologue. The judge is not swayed by external pressure or public opinion but is weighing his options privately. This internal confession exposes his true character and motivations, devoid of any pretense. It emphasizes that his reasoning is purely self-serving, as he faces no immediate social or religious accountability for his thoughts.
• Though I fear not God,: (Εἰ καὶ τὸν Θεὸν οὐ φοβοῦμαι - Ei kai ton Theon ou phoboumai) This is a shocking and profound declaration. "Fear God" (φοβέομαι - phobeomai) in biblical context means reverent submission, obedience, and recognition of divine authority and holiness. The judge explicitly denies this, admitting he has no regard for divine judgment or moral accountability to a higher power. This places him squarely in the realm of the ungodly and unrighteous, defying the core biblical principle of fearing the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. His self-confession showcases extreme depravity.
• nor regard man;: (οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐντρέπομαι - oude anthrōpon entrepomai) The term "regard" or "respect" (ἐντρέπομαι - entrepomai) means to feel shame before, to respect, to show deference, or to stand in awe of. By stating he does not "regard man," the judge confesses his complete indifference to human opinion, social norms, public reputation, or any moral obligation to his fellow humans. He feels no shame or accountability for his actions, whether before the divine or human authority. He acts purely according to his own arbitrary will. This indicates a complete absence of empathy or social responsibility, presenting a judge who is a law unto himself, devoid of all moral constraints.

Luke 18 4 Bonus section

The judge's internal dialogue ("he said within himself") signifies a total lack of public accountability or genuine conviction. He isn't worried about his image or others' perception; his motivation is purely a cost-benefit analysis within his own mind. The irony is profound: this most unholy, unrighteous man ultimately brings about a form of justice. This highlights the unexpected ways in which God can bring about His purposes, even through the unrighteous actions of men, serving as a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of unwavering persistence. It also emphasizes the unique struggle of widows in ancient society, often marginalized and vulnerable, making the judge's disregard for her plea even more heinous and highlighting God's special advocacy for such people.

Luke 18 4 Commentary

Luke 18:4 lays bare the quintessential character of the unjust judge, painted by Jesus in stark, cynical tones. His confession – "Though I fear not God, nor regard man" – serves as the foundation for the parable's entire thrust. It reveals a figure utterly devoid of spiritual fear or human compassion, acting solely from self-interest. This radical depravity, admitted in a chillingly candid internal monologue, is key to the a fortiori (from the lesser to the greater) argument of the parable. If even such a vile, self-absorbed man can be moved by persistent appeal, how much more will a righteous, loving God respond to the fervent, ceaseless prayers of His elect? The verse underscores that divine justice and compassion operate on an infinitely higher plane than human corruption, ensuring that those who cry out to God will indeed receive their justice. It encourages persistence in prayer not because God is like the judge, but because God is precisely the opposite.