Luke 18
The parable of the persistent widow
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
To teach that people should always pray and not lose heart, Jesus tells of a judge who neither fears God nor respects people. A widow keeps coming to him demanding justice against her opponent, and he finally gives in just to stop her wearing him out. If even such a judge acts, Jesus says, God will surely give justice quickly to his chosen ones who cry to him; yet will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?
What does this mean?
"Avenge me" (KJV) means "give me justice" or vindicate me in a legal case. "Weary me" translates a vivid Greek word that literally means "give me a black eye," used figuratively.
Historical context
Widows often had no male relative to argue their case and were among the most vulnerable in society; Israel's Law repeatedly commands their protection (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 10:18).
Why does it matter?
Like the friend at midnight (11:5–8), this is an argument from lesser to greater: God is not like the unjust judge. The closing question shifts the focus from God's faithfulness to whether people will keep faith while they wait. Only Luke has this parable.
Editorial notes, not scripture.