Luke 18 7

Luke 18:7 kjv

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Luke 18:7 nkjv

And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

Luke 18:7 niv

And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

Luke 18:7 esv

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

Luke 18:7 nlt

Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 7 Meaning

Luke 18:7 declares that God, unlike an unjust human judge, will assuredly bring about justice and vindication for His chosen people who earnestly cry out to Him continuously. The verse poses a rhetorical question, emphatically affirming that God will not endlessly postpone their righteous cause or neglect their fervent prayers, implying His prompt and certain intervention.

Luke 18 7 Context

Luke 18:7 is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Lk 18:1-8). Jesus tells this parable immediately after discussing His coming, implicitly indicating that during the period of waiting, believers might experience prolonged trials or oppression and must persist in prayer without losing heart (Lk 18:1). The parable presents an unrighteous judge, one who "neither feared God nor respected man," who eventually yields to the widow's incessant pleas not out of justice, but out of annoyance to avoid further bother. Jesus then uses this contrast to make His point in Luke 18:7-8: if even a corrupt judge grants a petition due to persistence, how much more will a just and loving God grant justice to His own beloved, chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night. The historical context for the original audience, who lived under Roman rule and often faced oppression or injustice, made this parable particularly relevant, assuring them of divine intervention amidst their struggles. It implicitly counters any belief in indifferent deities or fate, presenting YHWH as an actively engaged, righteous God.

Luke 18 7 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, but here it serves to logically connect the conclusion drawn by Jesus (v. 6) from the parable's premise (the unrighteous judge) to the rhetorical question that follows, emphasizing the comparative "how much more" (a fortiori) argument.
• will not God (ὁ θεὸς οὐ μὴ ποιήσῃ - ho theos ou mē poiēsē): This is a rhetorical question, typical in Greek to express an emphatic affirmation. "Οὐ μὴ" is a strong double negative that stresses certainty. It implies, "Surely, God will do it." "Θεὸς" (Theos) signifies God as the sovereign, supreme Being, distinct from the unjust human judge. It contrasts His perfectly righteous nature with the judge's corrupted one.
• bring about justice (τὴν ἐκδίκησιν - tēn ekdikēsin): The Greek word "ekdikēsis" carries the sense of vindication, the righting of a wrong, justice for the wronged party, or punishment for the oppressor. It is not about personal revenge in the human sense, but about God's righteous administration of justice. In this context, it signifies God's act of setting things right for His persecuted or oppressed people, affirming their innocence and righteousness while condemning their adversaries. It includes both punitive action against the oppressor and liberation for the victim.
• for His elect (τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ - tōn eklektōn autou): "Eklektōn" means "chosen" or "elect." This highlights a specific group—God's specially chosen people. In the New Testament, it refers to those whom God has sovereignly called to salvation and faith (e.g., Matt 24:22, Rom 8:33, Col 3:12). Their election status guarantees God's special care and commitment to their well-being and ultimate vindication. This emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
• who cry to Him (βοώντων πρὸς αὐτόν - boōntōn pros auton): "Boōntōn" describes a loud, urgent, and fervent cry or shout, often indicative of distress or deep need. It suggests a plea of anguish or intense supplication, not merely a quiet request. It underscores the sincerity and desperation of their prayer.
• day and night (ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός - hēmeras kai nyktos): This phrase indicates continuous, unceasing, and persistent prayer. It speaks to the dedication and endurance of the elect in bringing their requests before God, similar to the widow's persistence. It's a hallmark of deep spiritual earnestness.
• and will He delay long over them? (καὶ μακροθυμεῖ ἐπ' αὐτοῖς; - kai makrothymei ep' autois?): Another rhetorical question, the answer is an emphatic "No." "Makrothymei" (from "makrothumia") means to be long-suffering, patient, slow to anger. While God is indeed long-suffering towards the wicked (2 Pet 3:9), the question here implies He will not be slow to act in vindicating His elect. It assures believers that God's perceived slowness is not indifference or lack of will to act on their behalf.
• Words-Group analysis:
  • "will not God bring about justice": This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and certain action. It counters human cynicism or despair, affirming that despite appearances or perceived delays, God Himself will intervene to establish righteousness. The divine justice is inherent in His character.
  • "His elect, who cry to Him day and night": This grouping connects God's chosen identity with their diligent practice of prayer. It is this unique relationship (elect) and their persistent supplication (cry day and night) that secures God's attentive and responsive action. It shows a mutual dynamic: God's covenant love matched by His people's unwavering faith and prayer.
  • "and will He delay long over them?": This rhetorical question addresses the tension often felt by those suffering injustice—the perceived delay of divine intervention. It assures them that any "delay" is not a sign of indifference or slowness in the human sense, but part of a divine plan that culminates in certain vindication, perhaps also giving opportunity for more to repent, as reflected in other Scriptures (e.g., 2 Pet 3:9). The certainty of "not delaying" underscores God's active concern for His own.

Luke 18 7 Bonus section

The parable and this verse primarily focus on vindication, meaning God's active defense and establishment of justice for His chosen, rather than human retribution. The elect's cry signifies not only their distress but also their appeal to God's character as a just judge who upholds righteousness. This passage has eschatological undertones, often interpreted as referring to the church's plea for ultimate vindication and the establishment of God's kingdom justice at Christ's second coming, echoing the cry of the martyrs in Revelation 6:9-11. The verse underscores God's personal identification with His "elect" – they are not a faceless crowd, but His specially chosen ones, deserving of His attentive and protective care.

Luke 18 7 Commentary

Luke 18:7 provides profound assurance to believers facing protracted injustice or waiting for divine intervention. It draws a stark contrast between a flawed human judge and the perfectly righteous God. The central message is the absolute certainty of God's justice for His elect who persistently call upon Him. If an unrighteous judge succumbs to the sheer persistence of a helpless widow, how much more readily will the righteous, loving, and powerful God respond to the constant pleas of His own chosen children. The "delay" mentioned is rhetorical; God is not truly slow, but His timing is perfect, aligned with His sovereign will and broader redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to sure vindication for His people and judgment for their adversaries. This verse serves as a powerful anchor for prayer and faith amidst adversity, reminding believers that their cries are heard and answered, and justice, according to God's standard and timing, is inevitable. For example, believers undergoing persecution or facing legal battles with unfair systems can find comfort and motivation to continue in fervent prayer, trusting God to right the wrongs in due season.