Luke 18:6

KJV

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036}, Hear {G191} what {G5101} the unjust {G93} judge {G2923} saith {G3004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the Lord commented, “Notice what this corrupt judge says.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge.

American Standard Version

And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge saith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:6 serves as Jesus' direct interjection within the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge, drawing His disciples' attention to the core lesson embedded in the judge's self-serving decision. This verse acts as a pivotal moment, urging listeners to carefully consider the motivation of a corrupt earthly authority figure, thereby setting the stage for the profound "how much more" argument that reveals God's righteous and eager response to the persistent prayers of His elect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 18:6 is situated precisely at the turning point of the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge, which Jesus begins in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). The parable opens with Jesus stating its explicit 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")). He then introduces the two main characters: a 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 who repeatedly sought justice from him ([Luke 18:3](/luke/18-3 "Luke 18:3 - The Widow's Plea")). The judge, despite his initial refusal, eventually concedes, not out of justice or compassion, but purely to avoid further annoyance ([Luke 18:4-5](/luke/18-4-5 "Luke 18:4-5 - The Judge's Reluctant Decision")). Verse 6 marks Jesus' interpretive pause, where He explicitly directs His audience to "Hear what the unjust judge saith," emphasizing that the judge's own words and motivations are key to understanding the parable's deeper spiritual truth, which is then expounded in the subsequent verses ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Vindication of His Elect")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, the legal system, particularly at the local level, could often be susceptible to corruption and personal bias, especially when judges were not accountable to a higher, righteous authority. Judges were expected to uphold justice, but those who "feared not God" (i.e., lacked moral conscience or divine accountability) and "neither regarded man" (i.e., disregarded public opinion or human suffering) were unfortunately a reality. Widows, in particular, were among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking male protectors or legal standing, making them easy targets for exploitation and less likely to receive justice without persistent advocacy. Their plight was a common biblical theme, often highlighted as a group God specifically protects ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Vulnerable")). Jesus' choice of an unjust judge and a persistent widow would have resonated deeply with His audience, illustrating a common societal challenge and setting a stark contrast for His theological point.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader parable, contributes significantly to several key themes. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Persistent Prayer**, emphasizing that believers ought to "always pray, and not to faint" ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Call to Persistent Prayer")). Secondly, it highlights the **Contrast Between Human Injustice and Divine Righteousness**. The "unjust judge" serves as a foil, a negative example against which God's perfect justice and responsiveness are powerfully magnified. If even a corrupt judge can be swayed by persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to His children's cries ([Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Vindication"))? Finally, the parable and this verse touch upon the theme of **God's Vindication of His Elect**, assuring believers that God will ultimately bring about justice for those who cry out to Him, especially in times of tribulation, and that He will do so "speedily" ([Luke 18:8](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - God's Speedy Justice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word, used here to refer to Jesus, signifies supreme authority and control. When "the Lord" speaks, His words carry divine weight and ultimate significance. In this context, it emphasizes that the following instruction to "hear" is not merely a suggestion but a directive from the Master, underscoring the profound importance of the lesson He is about to impart.
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This is an imperative verb, a direct command from Jesus, urging His listeners not just to passively listen but to actively pay attention and comprehend. It implies a call to understand the implications of what the unjust judge said, preparing the audience to grasp the *a fortiori* argument that follows. It's a call to intellectual and spiritual discernment.
* **Unjust (Greek, _adikía'_):** While the KJV translates this as an adjective "unjust," the underlying Greek word is *adikía*, a noun meaning "injustice," "unrighteousness," or "wrongfulness" (G93). The phrase "unjust judge" (κριτὴς τῆς ἀδικίας, *kritēs tēs adikias*) literally means "judge of injustice" or "judge of unrighteousness." This construction emphasizes that injustice was not merely an occasional act but an inherent characteristic or even the very essence of this judge's character and practice. It vividly portrays his moral depravity and lack of integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord said,"**: This opening phrase establishes the authority and significance of the words that follow. It signals that Jesus is about to provide a crucial interpretation or application of the parable He has just told. His direct address heightens the importance of the ensuing lesson, drawing His disciples' immediate and focused attention.
* **"Hear what the unjust judge saith."**: This is a direct command (an imperative) from Jesus to His audience. He is instructing them to pay close attention to the reasoning or motivation of the corrupt judge, which was detailed in the preceding verses ([Luke 18:4-5](/luke/18-4-5 "Luke 18:4-5 - The Judge's Internal Monologue")). By focusing on the judge's self-serving rationale ("Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me"), Jesus sets up the powerful contrast that will follow: if even such a morally bankrupt individual can be moved by mere persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to His beloved children?

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:6, as part of the larger parable, primarily employs **Parable** as its overarching literary form, using a relatable earthly story to convey profound spiritual truth. Within this verse, Jesus uses **Direct Address** ("And the Lord said") to punctuate the narrative, drawing the audience's attention and signaling a shift from storytelling to interpretation. The core of the verse's rhetorical power lies in its preparation for an **A Fortiori Argument** (from the stronger to the weaker, or "how much more"). By commanding listeners to "Hear what the unjust judge saith," Jesus implicitly sets up a stark **Contrast** between the judge's unrighteousness and God's perfect righteousness, and between the judge's reluctant, self-serving action and God's eager, just intervention. This contrast is fundamental to the parable's message about prayer and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:6 serves as the interpretive key to the Parable of the Unjust Judge, revealing a profound theological truth about God's character and His relationship with His people. The verse emphasizes that if even a morally corrupt and self-interested human judge can be swayed by persistent pleading, then God, who is inherently righteous, just, and loving, will certainly and eagerly respond to the fervent prayers of His elect. This is not to say that God is annoyed or coerced into action, but rather that the judge's negative example serves to magnify God's positive attributes. It underscores God's commitment to justice for His chosen ones and His desire for them to approach Him with unwavering faith and persistence, knowing that He hears and will act in His perfect timing. The parable, introduced by this verse, reassures believers of divine vindication, especially in times of tribulation and perceived delay.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalm/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")
* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:6 challenges us to reflect on the nature of our prayer life and our understanding of God's character. If Jesus explicitly directs us to consider the motivations of an unjust judge, it is to highlight the vast chasm between human imperfection and divine perfection. We are encouraged to pray with unwavering persistence, not because God is reluctant or needs to be convinced, but because our persistence demonstrates our faith, dependence, and earnest desire. This parable reassures us that unlike the unjust judge, God is eager to hear and respond to the cries of His children. He is not motivated by annoyance but by love, justice, and His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, our prayers should be marked by confident expectation, knowing that our Heavenly Father is perfectly good and will bring about His purposes, including justice for His elect, in His perfect timing. We are called to persevere in faith, trusting that God's character guarantees His response, even when answers seem delayed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the unjust judge and God deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to apply persistent prayer, and what might be hindering your perseverance?**
* **How does the assurance of God's eventual vindication for His elect impact your current struggles or unanswered prayers?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus use an "unjust judge" as an example to teach about God?**

Answer: Jesus uses the "unjust judge" as a stark **contrast** to God, employing an *a fortiori* (how much more) argument. The point is not that God is like the judge, but precisely the opposite. If even a corrupt, self-interested judge can be swayed by persistent pleading, how much more will a righteous, loving, and just God respond to the persistent prayers of His beloved children? The judge's negative example magnifies God's perfect character and eagerness to hear and act on behalf of His elect, as seen in [Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God's Vindication").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:6, by directing attention to the unjust judge, ultimately points us to the perfect justice and advocacy found in Christ. While the judge reluctantly grants justice out of self-interest, Jesus, our great High Priest and Advocate, eagerly and perfectly intercedes for us, not out of annoyance, but out of His boundless love and the finished work of the cross. He is the ultimate "righteous judge" ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")) who has already secured our vindication through His atoning sacrifice. The persistence of the widow foreshadows the church's persistent crying out for justice and the return of Christ ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Come, Lord Jesus!")), knowing that our Advocate is at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Jesus Himself is the guarantee that God will "grant justice to His elect who cry to Him day and night" ([Luke 18:7](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7 - God's Promise of Justice")), for He is the one who bore the injustice of the world so that we might receive true righteousness and eternal vindication in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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 7:13

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.