Luke 18 5

Luke 18:5 kjv

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luke 18:5 nkjv

yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' "

Luke 18:5 niv

yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'?"

Luke 18:5 esv

yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'"

Luke 18:5 nlt

but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'"

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 5 Meaning

Luke 18:5 captures the unrighteous judge's internal reasoning for finally granting the persistent widow's request for justice. Despite his stated contempt for God and disregard for man, he concedes because her incessant pleas wear him down. His motivation is purely self-serving: to escape her persistent annoyance and potential reputational damage, not out of any sense of justice or compassion. The verse highlights the judge's deep-seated selfishness and reluctance, which serve as a striking contrast to God's character in the parable's application.

Luke 18 5 Context

Luke 18:5 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge, found in Luke 18:1-8. The parable is introduced by Jesus' teaching "that they ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Lk 18:1).The context preceding verse 5 establishes two primary characters:

• The Unrighteous Judge: Described as one who "did not fear God and had no respect for people" (Lk 18:2). This highlights his profound lack of moral compass and professional integrity, making his eventual action for the widow even more remarkable and ironic.
• The Widow: A socially vulnerable person in ancient society, often lacking male protectors and therefore susceptible to injustice and exploitation (Dt 27:19). Her only recourse is relentless pleading, embodying absolute helplessness yet unyielding resolve.Verse 5 reveals the judge's internal deliberation, marking the turning point where the judge, despite his corruption, chooses to act. His selfish motivation is key to understanding the contrast Jesus draws later. The historical context includes the legal systems of the Greco-Roman world, which, like some contemporary Jewish courts, could be susceptible to bribery and favoritism, leaving the poor and unprotected, like widows, at a distinct disadvantage. Jesus uses this common experience to draw a theological truth about God. This parable, by depicting a judge who fears neither God nor man, can be seen as an indirect critique or polemic against corrupted power and lack of true justice in earthly systems, contrasting it with God's perfect justice.

Luke 18 5 Word analysis

• "yet because": kai (καὶ, and/even/but) and dia touto (διὰ τοῦτο, on account of this). Indicates a sudden change of heart, a concession born not of virtue but of irritation.
• "this widow": hē chēra hautē (ἡ χήρα αὕτη). The use of the demonstrative hautē ("this") highlights her as a specific, annoying entity from the judge's perspective. A chēra (χήρα, widow) in ancient society was profoundly vulnerable, often exploited, symbolizing the defenseless and marginalized in need of a protector (Ps 68:5).
• "bothers me": parechei moi kopon (παρέχει μοι κόπον). Parechei means "gives/provides"; kopon (κόπον) means "trouble," "weariness," "fatigue," or "labor." It literally means "she gives me toil/trouble," suggesting annoyance that costs him effort or peace, rather than directly inflicting physical harm.
• "I will give her justice": ekdikēsō autēn (ἐκδικήσω αὐτήν). Ekdikēsō is from ekdikeō (ἐκδικέω), meaning "to avenge," "to vindicate," "to execute vengeance." It's stronger than just making a legal ruling; it's to act decisively on her behalf, granting her retribution against her adversary (Lk 18:3). It shows that the judge finally commits to the action of delivering justice, regardless of his internal motive.
• "so that she will not finally come and attack me": hina mē eis telos erchomenē hypōpiazē me (ἵνα μὴ εἰς τέλος ἐρχομένη ὑπωπιάζῃ με).
  • "so that she will not": hina mē (ἵνα μή), expressing a negative purpose or consequence to be avoided. The judge wants to prevent something.
  • "finally": eis telos (εἰς τέλος), means "to the end," "unto the complete," or "continually." This implies a fear of her persistent, unending badgering. It suggests that if he doesn't act now, she will continue indefinitely (Lk 18:1, 7).
  • "come and": erchomenē (ἐρχομένη), the present participle of erchomai ("to come"), emphasizing her continuous, repeated approaching.
  • "attack me": hypōpiazē me (ὑπωπιάζῃ με). This is the most crucial and striking word. Hypōpiazō (ὑπωπιάζω) literally means "to strike under the eye," i.e., to give a black eye, bruise, or beat. Metaphorically, it means "to annoy," "to harass intensely," "to wear out by persistent pestering," "to cause extreme exasperation." The judge fears her continuous, aggressive approach will metaphorically or even literally "blacken his eye" (damage his reputation or cause him severe distress/weariness). This strong language underscores the extreme level of vexation the judge feels and his base, self-centered motive. It highlights the power of sustained, unwelcome persistence.

Luke 18 5 Bonus section

• The parable's power lies in its a fortiori (argument from the lesser to the greater) logic. If even a godless, selfish judge responds to persistent pleading, how much more will the righteous and caring God respond to His chosen ones? (Lk 18:6-8)
• The judge's fear of being "attacked" or "bruised" (hypōpiazō) can be interpreted in several ways: literal physical harm (less likely in this context, but showing extreme fear), metaphorical damage to reputation or dignity, or simply being worn down mentally and emotionally by continuous nagging. All interpretations point to extreme personal discomfort as the judge's motivation.
• The judge's concession isn't a change of heart or conversion; it's a strategic move to avoid personal inconvenience, underscoring that the power of prayer isn't about manipulating God, but reflecting God's character and readiness to act for His own purposes and glory, often in response to the faith expressed through persistence (Lk 18:8).
• The widow's single-mindedness in pursuit of justice, despite her societal standing and the judge's nature, models a kind of spiritual tenacity for believers in their prayer lives. She had only one recourse: to persist.

Luke 18 5 Commentary

Luke 18:5 lays bare the motivation of the unrighteous judge, offering a profound contrast that elevates God's character. The judge acts not from principle, duty, or empathy, but from sheer exasperation. His words, especially the vivid hypōpiazō, depict someone pushed to their limit, choosing self-preservation over continued annoyance. This highlights the judge's utter lack of virtue; he embodies the antithesis of a just ruler. Yet, despite his depravity, the widow's persistence ultimately yields her desired outcome. The stark unrighteousness of the judge makes God's willingness to answer the cries of His elect (Lk 18:7-8) even more magnificent. If an evil, grudging judge acts due to mere irritation, how much more will the righteous and loving God, who desires justice, answer His beloved children who cry out to Him day and night? The parable's power lies in this shocking a fortiori (how much more) argument: the lesser (a wicked judge responding to selfish annoyance) illumines the greater (a benevolent God responding to sincere, persistent prayer).