Luke 18:3

KJV

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there was {G2258} a widow {G5503} in {G1722} that {G1565} city {G4172}; and {G2532} she came {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Avenge {G1556} me {G3165} of {G575} mine {G3450} adversary {G476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was also in that town a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me a judgment against the man who is trying to ruin me.’

Berean Standard Bible

And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

American Standard Version

and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:3 introduces the central figure of Jesus' Parable of the Persistent Widow: a vulnerable woman residing in a city, who repeatedly approaches an unrighteous judge with a desperate plea for legal vindication against her adversary. This verse immediately establishes the dire circumstances of the widow and her unwavering resolve, setting the narrative foundation for Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of persistent prayer and God's responsiveness to the cries of His elect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the second in the Parable of the Unjust Judge, found in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Unjust Judge"). Jesus explicitly states the parable's purpose in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Purpose of the Parable")—"that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Following the introduction of the judge in [Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - The Unjust Judge"), Luke 18:3 immediately presents the protagonist, the widow, and her initial, pivotal request. The narrative then unfolds, contrasting the judge's indifference with the widow's relentless pursuit, ultimately revealing how her persistence compels the judge to act, thereby illustrating the principle of unwavering prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within first-century Jewish society, widows occupied an exceptionally precarious position. Lacking a male protector (husband, father, or son), they were often without legal standing, economic security, and social influence. This vulnerability made them prime targets for exploitation and injustice. The Mosaic Law frequently commanded special care and protection for widows, alongside orphans and sojourners, reflecting God's concern for the marginalized (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws Regarding the Poor and Vulnerable")). The judge, in this context, would have been expected to uphold justice, especially for the vulnerable, yet this particular judge is characterized as one who "feared not God, neither regarded man" ([Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - The Unjust Judge")), amplifying the widow's desperation and the unlikelihood of her success through conventional means.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the parable and the broader Lukan narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Vulnerability of the Oppressed**, particularly widows, a group consistently championed in Scripture as deserving of divine and human protection. Secondly, it introduces the theme of the **Cry for Justice**, as the widow's plea for vindication underscores the pervasive reality of injustice in a fallen world and the desperate need for redress. This resonates with the prophetic calls for justice found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")). Finally, the verse subtly lays the groundwork for the theme of **Persistence in Prayer**, as the widow's immediate action of repeatedly approaching the judge foreshadows the unwavering faith and tenacity that Jesus encourages in His disciples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **widow (Greek, _chḗra_):** This term (G5503) denotes a woman who has lost her husband, often implying a state of deficiency or lack of protection. In the ancient world, a widow was typically without a male head of household, making her highly susceptible to economic hardship, social marginalization, and legal exploitation. Her status here immediately evokes sympathy and highlights her powerlessness in society.
* **Avenge (Greek, _ekdikéō_):** The verb (G1556) means "to vindicate," "to do justice to," or "to protect from wrong." While it can imply retaliation, in this legal context, it primarily refers to the act of administering justice or retribution on behalf of someone who has been wronged. The widow is not seeking personal revenge but rather a legal redress and vindication against her oppressor.
* **adversary (Greek, _antídikos_):** This noun (G476) literally means "an opponent in a lawsuit." It identifies the individual against whom the widow seeks justice as someone actively engaged in a legal dispute or wronging her in a manner that requires legal intervention. The term is also used elsewhere in the New Testament to refer to Satan, the ultimate adversary ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil, Your Adversary")), adding a layer of spiritual resonance to the concept of opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was a widow in that city;":** This opening clause introduces the main character of the parable, emphasizing her social status as a "widow" and her geographical location within "that city." Her widowhood immediately signals her vulnerability and lack of customary male protection in a patriarchal society, setting the stage for the challenges she faces.
* **"and she came unto him, saying,":** This phrase describes the widow's proactive and direct approach to the judge. The Greek verb for "came" (G2064, _érchomai_) suggests a deliberate and purposeful action, indicating her resolve despite her disadvantaged position. Her direct address to the judge underscores her desperate need and her willingness to confront the authority figure.
* **"Avenge me of mine adversary.":** This is the core of the widow's plea, articulating her profound need for justice. Her request for the judge to "avenge" her (G1556, _ekdikéō_) against her "adversary" (G476, _antídikos_) is a cry for legal vindication and protection from ongoing oppression. It highlights the injustice she is suffering and her reliance on the legal system, however flawed, for redress.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:3 employs several literary devices to effectively introduce the parable's central conflict and characters. **Characterization** is evident in the immediate portrayal of the woman as a "widow," a term that instantly communicates her social vulnerability and lack of power in the ancient world. This status elicits empathy from the audience and underscores the magnitude of her struggle. **Contrast** is implicitly set up by juxtaposing the widow's desperate need for justice with the character of the unjust judge introduced in the preceding verse. This contrast highlights the seemingly insurmountable odds against the widow and magnifies the power of her persistence. Furthermore, the widow's plea for "avenge me" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "avenge" stands for the broader concept of legal redress and the administration of justice on her behalf, rather than personal revenge. This concise phrasing encapsulates her entire grievance and desire for vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The introduction of the persistent widow in Luke 18:3 immediately connects to the profound biblical theme of God's unwavering concern for justice and His special care for the vulnerable and oppressed. Her desperate plea for vindication against an adversary mirrors the cries of the afflicted throughout Scripture, reminding us that God is not indifferent to suffering or injustice. This verse sets the stage for the parable's ultimate message: if an unrighteous human judge can be moved by persistent pleas, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to the earnest, unwavering prayers of His children, especially those who are marginalized or seeking redress for wrongs? It underscores the divine attribute of being a defender of the defenseless and a God who hears the cries of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Love for the Vulnerable")
* [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Defender of Widows")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:3, though brief, presents a powerful image of human desperation and the pursuit of justice. The widow's situation compels us to consider the plight of the vulnerable in our own world and the importance of advocating for those who lack power or voice. Her immediate and persistent action in seeking justice from an indifferent authority serves as a profound challenge to our own faith and tenacity in prayer. If a disadvantaged widow could relentlessly pursue her cause, how much more should believers, who have direct access to a righteous and loving God, persist in bringing their petitions, their cries for justice, and their deepest needs before Him? This verse encourages us to cultivate an unwavering faith that believes God hears, cares, and will ultimately act, even when circumstances seem bleak or answers are delayed. It calls us to embody the very persistence that Jesus commends, trusting that our Heavenly Father is far more just and compassionate than any earthly judge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the widow's vulnerability in Luke 18:3 challenge my perspective on those who are marginalized or oppressed in society today?**
* **What "adversaries" (spiritual, relational, or circumstantial) am I facing, and how does the widow's persistence encourage me to bring these struggles to God in prayer?**
* **In what areas of my life or in the lives of others am I called to persistently seek God's justice and vindication, even when the path seems difficult or discouraging?**

### FAQ
**Why is the widow's status so significant in this parable?**

Answer: The widow's status is critically significant because it underscores her extreme vulnerability and lack of power in first-century society. As a woman without a male protector, she would have had limited legal standing, economic resources, and social influence. Her inability to bribe the judge or exert social pressure makes her persistence all the more remarkable and highlights the judge's eventual decision as a direct result of her unwavering effort, not her status. This vulnerability amplifies Jesus' point: if such a powerless individual can move an unrighteous judge, how much more will a just and powerful God respond to the cries of His elect, who are often themselves vulnerable in the world ([Luke 18:7](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7 - God Will Avenge His Elect"))?

**What does "Avenge me" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Luke 18:3, the widow's plea to "Avenge me" (Greek: _ekdikéō_) does not primarily mean personal revenge in the modern sense. Instead, it is a legal term signifying a request for vindication, redress, or the administration of justice on her behalf. She is seeking for the judge to act as a legal arbiter, protecting her from wrong and providing a just resolution against her "adversary" (Greek: _antídikos_), who is an opponent in a legal dispute. It is a cry for the judge to intervene and right a wrong, ensuring that justice is served according to the law, not merely to satisfy a personal vendetta.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate cry of the widow in [Luke 18:3](/luke/18-3 "Luke 18:3 - The Widow's Plea") for justice against her adversary finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the righteous Judge who perfectly upholds justice and the compassionate Advocate who intercedes for His people. While the unjust judge in the parable eventually yields to persistence out of self-interest, Christ, our Heavenly Judge, is inherently just and merciful, always inclined to hear and respond to the cries of His elect. His entire ministry was one of vindication for the oppressed, healing for the broken, and justice for the marginalized. On the cross, Jesus bore the ultimate injustice, becoming the sin offering for humanity, thereby providing the means for God's perfect justice to be satisfied and for believers to be fully vindicated before a holy God ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, as our Great High Priest, Christ continuously intercedes for us before the Father, ensuring that our prayers for justice and deliverance are heard ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). The parable's promise that God will "avenge His own elect" ([Luke 18:7](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7 - God Will Avenge His Elect")) points forward to Christ's return, when He will judge the living and the dead, bringing ultimate justice to all creation and finally righting every wrong ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")). Thus, the widow's plea foreshadows the profound and complete vindication that is found solely in Christ, our just and faithful Redeemer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Deuteronomy 27:19

Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

2 Samuel 14:5

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I [am] indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

2 Samuel 14:24

And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Romans 13:4

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Luke 18:7

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