Luke 18:3

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

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}.

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.’

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

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

Commentary on Luke 18:3 (KJV)

Luke 18:3 introduces a key character in Jesus' Parable of the Persistent Widow, also known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge. This verse sets the stage for understanding the desperate situation of the widow and her unwavering pursuit of justice, laying the groundwork for Jesus' teaching on the importance of persistent prayer.

Context

This verse is found within the opening narrative of a parable told by Jesus to His disciples, recorded in Luke 18:1-8. The parable's explicit purpose, stated in Luke 18:1, is "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." The story contrasts an unrighteous judge, who "feared not God, neither regarded man," with a persistent widow who repeatedly seeks his intervention. In ancient Jewish society, widows were often among the most vulnerable members, lacking legal protection and economic security, making them susceptible to exploitation. Her plea, "Avenge me of mine adversary," highlights her dire need for legal vindication against someone who was wronging her, likely in a financial or property dispute.

Key Themes

  • The Vulnerability of Widows: The Bible frequently highlights God's concern for the vulnerable, and widows are consistently mentioned as a group deserving of care and justice. Her status underscores her powerlessness in society and her dependence on the legal system, or in this case, the judge. This theme resonates with passages like Deuteronomy 10:18 and James 1:27.
  • The Cry for Justice: The widow's plea is a desperate cry for justice against an "adversary." This adversary (Greek: antidikos), literally meaning "opponent in a lawsuit," signifies someone who is actively oppressing or wronging her. Her persistent appeal for "avenge me" (Greek: ekdikeo) implies a desire for legal redress and vindication from this injustice.
  • The Seed of Persistence: Though the parable's main point is about persistence in prayer, this verse introduces the character who embodies that persistence. Her unwavering pursuit of justice, despite her disadvantaged position and the judge's indifference, is the catalyst for the judge's eventual action.

Linguistic Insights

The term "widow" (Greek: chēra) consistently denotes a woman who has lost her husband and is often without a male protector or provider, making her particularly susceptible to injustice in the ancient world.

The phrase "avenge me of mine adversary" uses the Greek verb ekdikeo, which means "to do justice to," "to vindicate," or "to protect from wrong." It doesn't primarily mean personal revenge but rather the act of administering justice or retribution on behalf of someone who has been wronged. Her "adversary" (Greek: antidikos) literally refers to an opponent in a legal case, emphasizing the legal nature of her plight.

Practical Application

Luke 18:3, though seemingly simple, highlights the profound need for justice in a fallen world and the desperation of those who suffer injustice. For believers, this verse underscores that God hears the cries of the oppressed and cares deeply about justice, even when human systems fail. It serves as a reminder that if an unrighteous judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to the earnest, persistent prayers of His children, especially those seeking vindication or relief from oppression. The parable later confirms that God will indeed "avenge His own elect" (Luke 18:7), encouraging believers to pray without ceasing and with unwavering faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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