Luke 18:7

Luke 18:7 is a powerful rhetorical question posed by Jesus, assuring believers of God's unwavering commitment to justice for His chosen people. It reinforces the central message of the preceding parable: if even an unjust judge yields to persistence, how much more will the righteous God respond to the fervent, continuous prayers of His own elect?

Context

This verse concludes Jesus's interpretation of the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8). The parable tells of a widow who tirelessly appealed to an unrighteous judge for justice against her adversary. Though the judge initially refused, he eventually granted her request simply to avoid her constant bother. Jesus then uses this "lesser-to-greater" argument: if a morally indifferent judge responds to persistence, how much more will the perfectly just God respond to the pleas of His beloved children? The primary lesson is "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).

Key Themes

• God's Unwavering Justice and Vindication: The core promise is that God will certainly bring justice for His "elect" – those chosen by Him. This isn't about personal revenge but divine vindication, setting things right according to His perfect righteousness. It reassures those who suffer injustice or oppression that their cries are heard and will be answered.
• The Power and Necessity of Persistent Prayer: The phrase "which cry day and night unto him" highlights the importance of continuous, fervent prayer. It's not just a casual request but a desperate, unceasing appeal, mirroring the widow's relentless pursuit of justice. This persistence demonstrates faith and reliance on God.
• God's Patience and Divine Timing: The phrase "though he bear long with them" acknowledges that God's answer may not be immediate. This "bearing long" (or being long-suffering) is not indifference but part of God's perfect timing and purposes, which might include allowing time for repentance (as seen in 2 Peter 3:9) or for His glory to be more fully revealed. It calls for patient endurance from believers.

Linguistic Insights

• "Avenge" (Greek: ekdikeō - ἐκδικέω): This word means to do justice, to vindicate, or to punish. It's not about personal retribution but God's righteous action to set things right and deliver His people from oppression.
• "Elect" (Greek: eklektos - ἐκλεκτός): Refers to God's chosen ones, His special people. This term emphasizes their unique relationship with God, assuring them of His particular care and protection.
• "Bear long" (Greek: makrothymeō - μακροθυμέω): This signifies being long-suffering, patient, or forbearing. It describes God's incredible patience, which can feel like delay to those awaiting justice, but is always purposeful.

Related Scriptures

• For the theme of God's vengeance belonging to Him: Romans 12:19.
• For the cries of saints for justice: Revelation 6:10.
• On the importance of persistent prayer: Ephesians 6:18 and Colossians 4:2.

Practical Application

Luke 18:7 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today:

• Encouragement in Prayer: It powerfully encourages us to pray without ceasing, especially when facing adversity or injustice. Our persistence is not to convince a reluctant God, but to demonstrate our faith and dependence on Him.
• Trust in God's Justice: When we see evil seemingly triumph or feel personally wronged, this verse assures us that God is actively engaged and will ultimately bring justice. We are called to trust His timing, even when it feels like a delay.
• Assurance for the Persecuted: For those suffering persecution or deep injustice for their faith, this verse is a profound promise of divine vindication. God hears their cries "day and night" and will avenge His own, ensuring that His righteousness prevails.