Luke 18:4

KJV

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he would {G2309} not {G3756} for {G1909} a while {G5550}: but {G1161} afterward {G5023}{G3326} he said {G2036} within {G1722} himself {G1438}, Though {G1499} I fear {G5399} not {G3756} God {G2316}, nor {G2532}{G3756} regard {G1788} man {G444};

Complete Jewish Bible

For a long time he refused; but after awhile, he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God, and I don’t respect other people;

Berean Standard Bible

For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men,

American Standard Version

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:4 reveals the internal monologue of the unjust judge within Jesus' Parable of the Persistent Widow, highlighting his profound moral bankruptcy. Despite his initial refusal to grant justice, the judge's candid admission that he fears neither God nor respects humanity serves to underscore his self-serving nature. This verse is crucial for establishing the stark contrast between the judge's character and God's righteous and responsive nature, thereby setting the stage for Jesus' teaching on the necessity of persistent prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 18:4 is an integral part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, recounted by Jesus in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Jesus introduces the parable with a clear purpose: "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Purpose of the Parable")). The preceding verses introduce the two main characters: an "unjust judge" who "feared not God, neither regarded man" ([Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - Description of the Unjust Judge")) and a persistent widow seeking justice. Verse 4 specifically delves into the judge's internal thoughts after initially dismissing the widow, providing the audience with a direct insight into his corrupt motivations and utter lack of moral compass, which is central to the parable's argument from the lesser to the greater.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman societies, judges held significant power, and while there were systems of appeal, corruption was not uncommon, especially in regions under Roman rule where local officials might operate with considerable autonomy. The judge in this parable likely represents a local magistrate, perhaps a Roman appointee, who was not accountable to the Jewish legal system or its Mosaic laws, which emphasized justice for the vulnerable, including widows ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable") and [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice for the Oppressed")). The widow, by contrast, was among the most vulnerable members of society, often without male protection or legal standing, making her dependence on a just legal system absolute. The judge's confession reflects a cynical worldview prevalent among some powerful individuals who operated outside traditional moral or religious constraints, prioritizing personal convenience over public duty or divine command.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke"): **Justice and Injustice**, vividly portrayed by the judge's character and the widow's plight. It starkly illustrates the depth of **Human Depravity** when unchecked by divine accountability or moral conscience, as the judge openly admits his disregard for both God and humanity. Most importantly, it serves as a foundational element for the overarching theme of **Persistent Prayer** and God's responsiveness. The judge's eventual yielding, despite his amoral stance, is used by Jesus to highlight God's infinitely greater willingness to answer the prayers of His elect, especially those seeking justice, as seen in [Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Vindication of His Elect"). The judge's internal monologue thus amplifies the contrast, making God's character shine even brighter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **would (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309 (thélō), meaning "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse...); i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly)." The judge's initial refusal was an active, deliberate choice stemming from his own subjective impulse, not from any external constraint or a sense of duty. This highlights his self-willed nature and the absence of any compelling reason for his inaction other than his own disinclination.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From G1438 (heautoû), a reflexive pronoun meaning "him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc." The phrase "said within himself" emphasizes the judge's internal, private reasoning. This is not a public declaration but a candid, unvarnished assessment of his own character and motivations, revealing his true nature without pretense. It underscores his self-absorption and the fact that his decisions are driven by his own convenience, not by external pressures or moral considerations.
* **regard (Greek, _entrépō'_):** From G1788 (entrépō), meaning "to invert, i.e. (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound." In this context, it signifies a lack of respect, shame, or being deterred by someone's opinion. The judge's declaration that he does not "regard man" means he feels no shame, no obligation, and no deterrent from human opinion or social pressure. He is utterly unconcerned with his reputation or the well-being of others, reinforcing his amoral and self-serving character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he would not for a while:"** This clause describes the judge's initial, prolonged refusal to act on the widow's behalf. The phrase "for a while" (Greek, _chronos_) indicates a period of delay, emphasizing the judge's stubbornness and the widow's persistent, ongoing appeals. His inaction is a deliberate choice, reflecting his indifference to the widow's plight and his general disinterest in fulfilling his judicial duties justly.
* **"but afterward he said within himself,"** This marks a turning point, indicating a shift in the judge's internal deliberation. The phrase "within himself" (Greek, _en heautoû_) is crucial, revealing that his subsequent decision is not prompted by a change of heart or moral conviction, but by a pragmatic, self-interested calculation. This internal monologue provides the audience with direct access to his unvarnished motivations, setting the stage for his cynical confession.
* **"Though I fear not God, nor regard man;"** This is the judge's shocking and candid self-assessment, laying bare his profound moral corruption. He openly admits to lacking both reverence for divine authority ("fear not God") and respect for human opinion or well-being ("nor regard man"). This declaration establishes him as utterly amoral, driven solely by self-interest and convenience, making his eventual concession to the widow's persistence all the more striking as a testament to the power of unwavering prayer.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Characterization** is central, as the verse directly reveals the judge's corrupt and amoral nature through his own internal confession. This self-description is not merely descriptive but **Ironic**, as his very lack of fear of God and regard for man makes his eventual yielding to the widow's persistence a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer, rather than his own virtue. The verse also functions as a stark **Contrast** to the character of God, whom Jesus implicitly presents as just, merciful, and responsive to the prayers of His elect, unlike the unjust judge. Furthermore, the judge's internal monologue serves as a **Foil** to the persistent widow, whose unwavering faith and determination stand in stark opposition to the judge's cynicism and self-interest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judge's brazen declaration in Luke 18:4, that he fears neither God nor regards man, serves a profound theological purpose within the parable: to establish the absolute lowest common denominator for responsiveness. If even a person utterly devoid of moral compass or divine accountability can be moved by sheer persistence, how much more will the righteous and loving God respond to the earnest, continuous prayers of His children? This verse highlights God's character as fundamentally different from human injustice, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to justice and His deep care for His elect. It reassures believers that their prayers are not directed to an indifferent deity but to a Father who hears, cares, and will act decisively, though perhaps not always according to human timing. The judge's self-assessment thus magnifies the grace and faithfulness of God, who, unlike the judge, is bound by His own righteous character to answer the cries of His people.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")
* [Romans 3:18](/romans/3-18 "Romans 3:18 - No Fear of God Before Their Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:4, while exposing the depths of human depravity in the unjust judge, ultimately serves as a powerful catalyst for encouraging unwavering faith and persistence in prayer. The judge’s internal monologue, revealing his utter lack of moral and spiritual accountability, makes his eventual concession to the widow’s persistence all the more remarkable. This should inspire us to pray without ceasing, knowing that our God is infinitely more just, compassionate, and attentive than any earthly authority. We are reminded that our petitions are heard by a loving Father, not an indifferent bureaucrat. This verse challenges us to examine our own motivations: are we driven by self-interest, or by a desire for God's justice and glory? It invites us to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign will, even when answers seem delayed, knowing that His character guarantees a righteous and loving response to His persistent children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the judge's self-assessment in Luke 18:4 challenge or affirm your understanding of human nature apart from God?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "faint" or give up on persistent prayer, and how does the contrast presented in this parable encourage you to persevere?**
* **How does knowing God's character, in contrast to the unjust judge, deepen your trust and confidence in His responsiveness to your prayers?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus choose such an unrighteous character as the judge in this parable?**

Answer: Jesus deliberately chooses an "unjust judge" who "feared not God, neither regarded man" ([Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - The Unjust Judge's Character")) to employ an "argument from the lesser to the greater." If even such a morally bankrupt individual can be swayed by persistent appeals, how much more will the righteous, loving, and just God respond to the continuous prayers of His beloved children? The judge's extreme unrighteousness serves to magnify God's perfect character and His unwavering commitment to His elect, highlighting the certainty of His response to persistent prayer ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Vindication of His Elect")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 18:4 vividly portrays the unjust judge's self-centeredness, it ultimately points us to the perfect righteousness and unwavering justice of Christ. The judge's confession, "Though I fear not God, nor regard man," stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who perfectly feared God and supremely regarded humanity. Christ's entire life was an embodiment of obedience to the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")) and sacrificial love for humanity ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Unlike the judge who yielded out of annoyance, Christ, as our advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")), intercedes for us before a righteous God, not out of reluctance, but out of His perfect love and finished work on the cross ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Permanent Priest")). The parable, therefore, does not suggest that God is like the unjust judge, but rather that He is infinitely *unlike* him. Our confidence in persistent prayer is not based on God being annoyed into action, but on the character of Christ, who has secured our access to the Father and ensures that our righteous prayers are heard and answered according to His perfect will ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")).

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

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Luke 16:3

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Luke 12:17

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?