Luke 18:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!’”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:5 captures the cynical rationale of the unjust judge within Jesus' Parable of the Persistent Widow, revealing his motivation for granting the widow's plea. Despite his disregard for God and people, the judge decides to administer justice to the relentless widow, not out of any sense of righteousness or compassion, but solely to escape her incessant and bothersome appeals. This verse highlights the judge's self-serving nature and sets the stage for Jesus' crucial contrast between this reluctant human authority and the inherently just and responsive nature of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, found in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Jesus introduces the parable with a clear purpose: to teach His disciples that "they ought always to pray, and not to faint" ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart")). The narrative immediately preceding this parable in [Luke 17](/luke/17 "Luke 17 - Teachings on Faith, Forgiveness, and the Coming of the Kingdom") concludes with teachings about the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness. The parable itself serves as an illustration of persistent faith in the face of perceived delay or injustice, leading directly into Jesus' application of the parable concerning God's swift justice for His elect ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God Will Avenge His Elect")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman legal systems, a widow was often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking the male protection and legal standing that a husband or father would provide. Without a male advocate, widows were frequently susceptible to exploitation and had limited recourse for justice. The "judge" in this parable is described as one who "feared not God, neither regarded man" ([Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - The Unjust Judge")), portraying a common type of corrupt official in a system where justice could often be bought or denied to the powerless. The widow's only power lay in her persistence, a strategy born of desperation in a society that often marginalized her. This context underscores the profound social disadvantage of the widow and magnifies the extraordinary nature of her relentless pursuit of justice.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Persistence in Prayer**, as explicitly stated by Jesus in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Purpose of the Parable"). The widow's "continual coming" models the unwavering determination believers should exhibit in their petitions to God. Another crucial theme is the **Contrast of God's Character with Human Imperfection**. The unjust judge, acting purely out of self-interest, serves as a foil to God, who is inherently just, loving, and attentive to the cries of His people. Jesus' rhetorical question in [Luke 18:7](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7 - God's Justice for His Elect") powerfully articulates this contrast. Finally, the verse touches upon **Divine Justice and Vindication**, assuring believers that God will ultimately bring about justice for His elect, even if it appears delayed from a human perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubleth (Greek, _paréchō'_):** From G3930, meaning "to hold near, i.e. present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion:--bring, do, give, keep, minister, offer, shew, + trouble." In this context, it signifies the widow's action of "furnishing occasion" for trouble or annoyance to the judge. Her repeated visits present an ongoing disturbance to his peace.
* **avenge (Greek, _ekdikéō'_):** From G1556, meaning "to vindicate, retaliate, punish:--a (re-)venge." The judge's decision to "avenge" her implies he will grant her justice against her adversary, thereby vindicating her. His motivation, however, is not a desire for justice itself, but to escape personal vexation.
* **weary (Greek, _hypōpiázō'_):** From G5299, meaning "to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions):--keep under, weary." This powerful word paints a vivid picture of the widow's persistence as a relentless, almost physical assault on the judge's composure, metaphorically "giving him a black eye" or "beating him down" through sheer annoyance until he complies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet because this widow troubleth me":** This clause reveals the judge's primary motivation. He is not moved by the widow's plight, the righteousness of her cause, or any sense of moral obligation. Instead, his action is a direct consequence of the constant, irritating presence and petitions of the widow, which he perceives as a personal "trouble" or nuisance.
* **"I will avenge her":** This is the judge's decision. Despite his character as one who "feared not God, neither regarded man," he resolves to grant the widow her request for justice against her adversary. This action is not born of virtue but of a desire to alleviate his own discomfort.
* **"lest by her continual coming she weary me":** This final clause articulates the judge's self-serving rationale. The phrase "continual coming" (Greek, _télos érchomai_) emphasizes the unceasing nature of her visits. The judge's fear is that her relentless persistence will "weary" him to the point of exhaustion or public embarrassment, using the strong imagery of being "beaten down." He acts to preserve his own peace and reputation, not to uphold justice.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:5, as part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the judge, who "feared not God, neither regarded man," ultimately grants justice, not because of his character, but in spite of it. His decision is driven by a base, self-centered desire to avoid annoyance, which ironically serves the purpose of justice. **Contrast** is also central, as the judge's unrighteousness and self-interest are explicitly set against the righteous and compassionate nature of God, a contrast that Jesus himself highlights in the parable's interpretation. The phrase "weary me" (Greek, _hypōpiázō_) uses powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. Literally meaning "to strike under the eye," it vividly portrays the widow's persistence as a relentless, almost physically debilitating assault on the judge's composure, exaggerating the impact of her annoyance to underscore the judge's desperate desire for relief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Luke 18:5 are profound, serving as a powerful illustration of God's responsiveness to persistent prayer, particularly for His elect who cry out to Him. The judge's reluctant decision, driven by annoyance, paradoxically highlights the certainty of God's justice, which is driven by His perfect character and love. If an unrighteous judge can be moved by mere persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to the fervent, unceasing prayers of His children? This verse underscores that while God's timing may not align with our expectations, His commitment to justice and His attentiveness to His people are unwavering, assuring us that our prayers are heard and will be answered according to His perfect will.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")
* [Romans 12:12](/romans/12-12 "Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in Hope, Patient in Tribulation, Continuing Steadfastly in Prayer")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:5, within the context of the parable, offers a profound encouragement to believers regarding the practice of prayer. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of unwavering persistence, not because God is reluctant or needs to be convinced, but because our perseverance in prayer cultivates a deeper reliance on Him, clarifies our desires, and aligns our hearts with His divine will. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice, despite her vulnerability and the judge's indifference, serves as a powerful model for our own spiritual lives. We are called to "always pray and not lose heart," trusting that our heavenly Father, unlike the unjust judge, is inherently good, just, and eager to hear and respond to the cries of His children. Our persistence is an act of faith, demonstrating our conviction that God is sovereign, that He cares, and that He will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "lose heart" in prayer, and how can the widow's persistence inspire you?**
* **How does understanding the contrast between the unjust judge and God deepen your trust in God's character when prayers seem unanswered?**
* **What does "continual coming" look like in your personal prayer life, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate greater perseverance?**

### FAQ
**Does Luke 18:5 suggest that we need to badger God into answering our prayers?**

Answer: No, Luke 18:5 does not suggest badgering God. The parable's primary purpose, as stated in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Purpose of the Parable"), is to teach "that they ought always to pray, and not to faint." The contrast between the unjust judge and God is crucial. The judge grants justice out of annoyance, but God, who is perfectly good and just, is eager to respond to His children's cries ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Justice for His Elect")). Our persistence in prayer is not to change God's mind or overcome His reluctance, but to demonstrate our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and align our hearts with His will. It's about our spiritual formation and steadfast trust, not about God's character being like the judge's.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:5, within the Parable of the Persistent Widow, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the judge's reluctant action, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While the unjust judge grudgingly grants justice to avoid annoyance, Jesus, as the righteous and compassionate Son of God, willingly and actively seeks to bring about ultimate justice and salvation. He is the one through whom God's elect receive their vindication, not by badgering, but by His own sacrificial love. The persistence of the widow foreshadows the desperate cries of humanity for redemption, cries that are fully answered in Christ's atoning work on the cross. He is the advocate who intercedes for us, not out of weariness, but out of eternal love ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Us")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself demonstrated ultimate persistence in His mission, steadfastly setting His face toward Jerusalem and the cross ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Determination to Go to Jerusalem")), ensuring that God's justice and mercy would be fully realized for all who believe. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication, guaranteeing that those who cry out to Him will indeed receive their just inheritance and eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Believing")).

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

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.