Luke 18:5

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Yet {G1065} because {G1223} this {G5026} widow {G5503} troubleth {G3930}{G2873} me {G3427}, I will avenge {G1556} her {G846}, lest {G3363} by {G1519} her continual {G5056} coming {G2064} she weary {G5299} me {G3165}.

but because this widow is such a nudnik, I will see to it that she gets justice — otherwise, she’ll keep coming and pestering me till she wears me out!’”

yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’”

yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

Commentary

Luke 18:5 is a pivotal statement within Jesus' Parable of the Persistent Widow (also known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge), found in Luke 18:1-8. Jesus tells this parable to teach His disciples the importance of always praying and not giving up. In this specific verse, the corrupt and godless judge reveals his cynical motivation for finally granting the persistent widow's request: not out of justice or compassion, but purely to avoid further annoyance from her relentless appeals.

Key Themes

  • Persistence in Prayer: The widow's unwavering determination serves as a model for believers. Her 'continual coming' highlights the power of consistent, fervent prayer, even in the face of perceived indifference or delay. This echoes the teaching in Matthew 7:7 about asking, seeking, and knocking.
  • Contrast of Character: The parable draws a stark contrast between the unjust judge, who acts out of self-interest, and a righteous God, who hears the cries of His elect. If a selfish judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a loving and just God respond to His children? This is the core message Jesus unpacks in Luke 18:7-8.
  • Divine Justice and Timing: While the judge acts reluctantly, the parable assures us that God will bring about justice for His people, even if it seems delayed. The delay is not due to God's indifference but often serves a higher purpose, testing faith and deepening reliance on Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "troubleth me" comes from the Greek word parechō (παρέχω), meaning 'to cause trouble, to annoy, to provide difficulty.' It speaks to the judge's irritation. More strikingly, "weary me" translates the Greek hypopiazo (ὑποπιάζω), which literally means 'to strike under the eye' or 'to give a black eye.' Metaphorically, it implies to 'harass, exhaust, or discipline into submission.' This strong imagery emphasizes the intense, relentless nature of the widow's persistence and the judge's desire to end her vexation at any cost.

Practical Application

Luke 18:5, within its broader context, encourages believers to never give up in prayer. It reminds us that our persistence is not meant to change God's mind, but to align our hearts with His will and to demonstrate our faith and reliance on Him. Even when answers seem slow in coming, we are called to persevere, trusting that God, unlike the unjust judge, is inherently good, just, and attentive to the needs of His children. Our prayers are heard, and in His perfect timing, God will bring forth His justice and answer according to His divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 11:8

    I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

  • Luke 18:39

    And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Judges 16:16

    And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death;

  • Mark 10:47

    And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Mark 10:48

    And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Matthew 15:23

    But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

  • 2 Samuel 13:24

    And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
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