Luke 18 8

Luke 18:8 kjv

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:8 nkjv

I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:8 niv

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:8 esv

I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Luke 18:8 nlt

I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"

Luke 18 verses

Luke 18 8 Meaning

Luke 18:8 concludes the Parable of the Persistent Widow by declaring God's unwavering commitment to deliver swift and sure justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him. It then juxtaposes this divine certainty with a poignant, rhetorical question regarding the state of faith on earth when the Son of Man returns, implying a potential scarcity of true belief at that future time. The verse encourages perseverance in prayer for vindication while simultaneously issuing a solemn warning about the spiritual decline that may precede Christ's return.

Luke 18 8 Context

Luke 18:8 concludes the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8a). This parable describes a widow who relentlessly appeals to an unjust judge for justice against her adversary until he, out of exasperation, grants her request. Jesus uses this earthly illustration to emphasize God's infinitely greater readiness and swiftness to grant justice to His elect—those who continually cry out to Him. The parable specifically addresses the theme of persistence in prayer and the assurance that God will indeed answer, especially concerning the vindication of His suffering people. The audience would have been aware of the vulnerable status of widows in ancient society and the importance of receiving justice, reinforcing the depth of their desperation and God's merciful response. This verse sets the stage for broader eschatological themes present throughout Luke, particularly regarding the return of Christ and the readiness of believers.

Luke 18 8 Word analysis

• I tell you: Jesus’ emphatic declaration (λέγω ὑμῖν - legō hymin), signaling a solemn truth or important pronouncement. This emphasizes divine authority behind the statement.

• he will grant justice (ποιήσει τὴν ἐκδίκησιν - poiēsei tēn ekdikēsin): God will perform ekdikēsin, which here signifies legal vindication or the righteous settling of wrongs rather than merely retribution. It means establishing the rights of the wronged and holding the oppressor accountable.

• to them: Refers to "His elect" (οἱ ἐκλεκτοὶ αὐτοῦ - hoi eklektoi autou) from the previous verse, identifying those who are chosen by God and cry out to Him. These are the faithful believers enduring persecution or suffering injustice.

• speedily (ἐν τάχει - en tachei): Literally "in swiftness" or "in speed." This does not necessarily mean immediately in human time, but rather at God’s appointed, un-delayed time; it will be swift and decisive from His eternal perspective. It conveys certainty and effectiveness of God's action.

• But (πλὴν - plēn): A strong adversative conjunction that introduces a sharp contrast or a weighty reservation. It shifts the focus from God's guaranteed action to a sobering reflection on humanity's spiritual state.

• when the Son of Man comes (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐλθών - ho huios tou anthrōpou elthōn): Jesus' primary self-designation, highlighting His unique humanity and His divine, authoritative role as the heavenly figure from Dan 7:13-14. "Comes" refers specifically to His Second Coming (Parousia) in power and glory. This points to the end of the age and final judgment.

• will he find (εὑρήσει - heurēsei): A searching question, implying discovery or discernment of something present or absent. It raises a doubt about the presence of genuine faith.

• faith (τὴν πίστιν - tēn pistin): The definite article "the" (τὴν) emphasizes the specific nature or quantity of this faith. It implies genuine, enduring trust, faithfulness, and loyalty to God and His kingdom, especially in the face of tribulation, which is necessary for perseverance until His return. It suggests a complete, abiding conviction and adherence.

• on earth (ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς - epi tēs gēs): Denotes the universal scope; the condition of humanity worldwide, not just in Israel or within a specific community. It underscores the potential global spiritual barrenness or apostasy.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I tell you, he will grant justice to them speedily.": This segment functions as an assurance and promise. It emphasizes divine certainty: God's justice is guaranteed for His elect, and it will be delivered effectively and without unnecessary delay from His ultimate timing. It contrasts with the unjust judge by showing God's immediate care and power to vindicate.
  • "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?": This segment forms a challenging, rhetorical question. The "But" introduces a stark tension between God's steadfastness and humanity's potential failing. It prompts self-reflection and spiritual vigilance. It highlights the expected rarity or decline of authentic, enduring faith at the time of Christ's glorious return, warning against complacency and apostasy amidst suffering or waiting.

Luke 18 8 Bonus section

The parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) and this concluding verse operate within a broader eschatological context in Luke's Gospel. Chapters 17 and 21 also contain Jesus' teachings on His coming and the signs of the end. The disciples (and subsequent believers) were living in a period of "already, but not yet"—the kingdom of God was inaugurated, but its full manifestation, particularly through the Son of Man's return, was future. The "speedily" (ἐν τάχει) of God's action in granting justice and the timing of the Son of Man's coming are distinct concepts. God's action is swift in its divine resolve, while the Son of Man's arrival, though certain and ultimate, is set at God's sovereign timeline, requiring humanity's patient endurance. The 'faith' sought at the Lord's return is not merely a cognitive assent to Christian doctrine, but a robust, active, and abiding trust in God amidst trials, a faith that translates into continuous, fervent prayer for His kingdom to come and His will to be done, thus truly mirroring the persistence of the widow.

Luke 18 8 Commentary

Luke 18:8 presents a powerful theological tension. On one hand, it offers profound comfort: God's commitment to His elect is absolute. Just as the unjust judge eventually yielded to the persistent widow, God, who is just and compassionate, will most certainly and decisively vindicate His chosen ones who cry out to Him for justice. His timing, while often appearing "slow" from a human perspective, is divinely "speedy" and perfectly orchestrated. This assurance speaks to those who face persecution, injustice, or delays in answered prayer, encouraging unceasing supplication with hope.

On the other hand, the rhetorical question, "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?", shifts the focus dramatically, introducing a stark, sobering warning. Despite God's unwavering faithfulness and His coming justice, the verse raises the possibility of a widespread decline in genuine, persevering faith among humanity as the end approaches. This isn't merely about outward religious adherence but about the deep, saving trust and active loyalty that endures through tribulation and the long wait. This question serves as a call to spiritual self-examination and continued vigilance. It urges believers to persevere in true faith and to actively "contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3), ensuring they are found faithful, actively believing, and crying out for God's justice even as the world around them succumbs to apathy or apostasy. The verse emphasizes that enduring faith is precious and critically needed for believers anticipating the return of Christ.

• Practical usage example: For someone praying for years over a deeply personal injustice or the restoration of a fallen loved one, this verse offers dual encouragement: Firstly, the unwavering promise that God will, in His perfect time, bring forth justice. Secondly, it serves as a powerful reminder to endure in their faith during the waiting, recognizing that such perseverance is precisely what the Lord seeks when He returns.