Luke 18:7

KJV

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} shall {G1557} not {G3364} God {G2316} avenge {G4160}{G1557} his own {G846} elect {G1588}, which {G3588} cry {G994} day {G2250} and {G2532} night {G3571} unto {G4314} him {G846}, though {G2532} he bear long {G3114} with {G1909} them {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Now won’t God grant justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Is he delaying long over them?

Berean Standard Bible

Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?

American Standard Version

And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:7 serves as the climactic rhetorical question posed by Jesus at the conclusion of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, asserting God's unwavering commitment to righteous justice for His chosen people. It powerfully conveys that if an unrighteous judge can be swayed by persistent appeal, then the perfectly just and loving God will certainly and decisively respond to the continuous, fervent prayers of His elect, even if His timing seems delayed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the interpretive key to [the Parable of the Persistent Widow](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow") immediately preceding it. Jesus introduces the parable with a clear purpose statement: "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 parable itself describes a widow who, despite her vulnerable social status, relentlessly petitions an unrighteous judge for justice. His eventual concession, driven by annoyance rather than righteousness, sets up Jesus's "a fortiori" (lesser-to-greater) argument. Verse 7, along with the subsequent verse 8, draws the profound theological conclusion: if an unjust human responds to persistence, how much more will the righteous God respond to His beloved children. The entire passage underscores the importance of persistent prayer, especially in times of injustice or delay.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman societies, widows were often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking legal standing, financial security, and male protection. They were frequently exploited or denied justice. The "unjust judge" represents a common societal problem where those in power abused their authority, and justice was often bought or neglected. The concept of "avenging" (or vindicating) the oppressed was deeply rooted in Old Testament law and prophecy, where God is consistently portrayed as the defender of the weak and the upholder of justice ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Defends the Vulnerable"), [Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - God Secures Justice")). The "day and night" crying reflects a common idiom for intense, unceasing activity, often associated with fervent prayer or lament in the face of distress ([Psalm 88:1](/psalms/88-1 "Psalm 88:1 - Crying Day and Night")).

* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights [God's unwavering commitment to justice](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - God's Swift Justice"), particularly for the oppressed and marginalized. The rhetorical question implies an emphatic "yes," assuring believers that God will indeed vindicate His own. Secondly, the verse reinforces the [power and necessity of persistent prayer](/luke/11-5-8 "Luke 11:5-8 - The Friend at Midnight, another parable on persistence in prayer"). The "crying day and night" signifies a deep, continuous reliance on God, not a one-time request. This persistence is not to change God's mind, but to align the believer's heart with God's will and to demonstrate unwavering faith. Lastly, the phrase "though he bear long with them" introduces the theme of [God's divine patience and timing](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience"). It acknowledges that God's justice may not be immediate, but this delay is not indifference; rather, it is part of His perfect plan, perhaps allowing for repentance or for His glory to be more fully revealed in the ultimate vindication.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avenge (Greek, _ekdíkēsis'_):** (G1557) This word, often translated as "vengeance" or "retribution," carries the primary meaning of "vindication" or "justice." It refers to the act of setting things right, upholding righteousness, and delivering from oppression. In the context of God, it is not about personal spite or revenge, but His righteous judgment and the restoration of justice for those who have been wronged. It encompasses both the punishment of the oppressor and the deliverance of the oppressed.
* **Elect (Greek, _eklektós'_):** (G1588) Derived from a verb meaning "to choose out," this term refers to God's chosen ones, His special people. It emphasizes a relationship of divine selection and favor, implying that those designated as "elect" are objects of God's particular care, protection, and covenantal promises. In this verse, it underscores the intimate relationship between God and those who cry out to Him, assuring them of His unique concern for their plight.
* **Bear long (Greek, _makrothyméō'_):** (G3114) This verb means "to be long-spirited," "to be forbearing," or "to have long patience." When applied to God, it describes His incredible patience and slowness to anger, even in the face of human sin or the perceived delay in answering prayers for justice. It signifies that God's timing is perfect, not necessarily immediate, and that His "bearing long" serves His greater redemptive and righteous purposes, often allowing time for repentance or the full revelation of His glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall not God avenge his own elect,"**: This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question, expecting an emphatic affirmative answer. It establishes God as the ultimate arbiter of justice. The term "avenge" (or vindicate) highlights God's active role in righting wrongs and delivering His chosen people. The "elect" are those who stand in a special covenant relationship with Him, implying His deep commitment to their well-being and justice.
* **"which cry day and night unto him,"**: This phrase describes the characteristic posture of God's elect in their suffering or need. "Cry day and night" signifies persistent, fervent, and unceasing prayer, born out of deep distress or unwavering faith. It mirrors the widow's relentless appeal in the parable and underscores that such continuous, heartfelt petition is heard and honored by God.
* **"though he bear long with them?"**: This final clause addresses the apparent delay in God's response. The phrase "bear long" (or "be long-suffering") acknowledges God's patience, which can feel like a protracted wait to those seeking immediate justice. However, this divine patience is not indifference but a purposeful aspect of God's character and plan, perhaps allowing for the full measure of sin, the repentance of others, or the ripening of circumstances for His perfect intervention. It calls for patient endurance from believers, assuring them that the delay is not a denial.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 18:7](/luke/18-7 "Luke 18:7 - God's Vindication of His Elect") is a **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus poses a question that is not meant to be answered aloud, but rather to elicit a strong, undeniable affirmative response from the audience. This technique serves to emphasize the certainty of God's action and to powerfully conclude the "a fortiori" argument from the preceding parable. The verse itself is the culmination of an **A Fortiori Argument** (lesser-to-greater), where the behavior of an unrighteous human judge is contrasted with the character of the righteous God. If a corrupt judge yields to persistence, how much more will a just God. The phrase "cry day and night" uses **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to describe the continuous and fervent nature of the elect's prayers, emphasizing their desperation and unwavering faith. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the unjust judge and the righteous God, highlighting God's moral perfection and His commitment to justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:7 provides profound theological assurance of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly concerning justice. It reaffirms the biblical truth that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but a righteous Judge who hears the cries of His elect and will certainly vindicate them. This vindication is not merely personal revenge but the establishment of divine righteousness, setting right what is wrong according to His perfect will. The verse also underscores the efficacy and necessity of persistent prayer, portraying it as a vital expression of faith and dependence on God, even when answers seem delayed. God's "bearing long" reveals His attribute of divine patience, which is always purposeful and ultimately serves His sovereign plan for justice and redemption.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "The Cry of the Martyrs for Justice")
* [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Praying at All Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:7 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge to believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and suffering. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of persistent, unwavering prayer, not because God is reluctant, but because such persistence refines our faith, deepens our dependence, and aligns our hearts with His sovereign will. When faced with delays in divine intervention, the verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His inherent goodness, understanding that His patience is purposeful and never indicative of indifference. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or unjustly treated, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, assuring them that their cries are heard "day and night" by a God who is intimately concerned with their plight and is committed to bringing about ultimate justice. It reminds us that our hope is not in human systems or swift retribution, but in the certain vindication of the righteous God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "bearing long" with His elect challenge your understanding of divine timing and patience?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise persistent prayer, even when answers seem delayed?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice for His elect impact your response to injustice in the world around you?**
* **What does "crying day and night unto Him" practically look like in your prayer life?**

### FAQ
**Does God's "bearing long" mean He is slow or unwilling to answer prayers?**

Answer: No, God's "bearing long" (Greek: _makrothyméō_) does not imply slowness or unwillingness on His part. Instead, it signifies His profound patience and long-suffering. As [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient") explains, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." This divine patience is purposeful, allowing for repentance, the full revelation of His glory, or the perfect alignment of circumstances for His righteous intervention. It is a testament to His character, not a sign of indifference or reluctance to act on behalf of His elect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:7, with its promise of God avenging His elect, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's justice and the ultimate vindicator of His people. The "elect" are those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")), and their cries for justice are heard through Him, the great High Priest who intercedes for them ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Jesus Himself was the perfectly righteous one who suffered injustice, was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Christ's Suffering")), yet was ultimately vindicated by God through His resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of divine justice, where the sin of the world was atoned for, and through His resurrection, He secured the ultimate vindication for all who believe. The "day and night" crying of the elect anticipates the final consummation of God's kingdom, when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ Appointed Judge")) and bring full and final justice, wiping away every tear from the eyes of His people ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, God's promise to "avenge His own elect" is not a vague hope, but a certain reality guaranteed by the finished work and future return of Jesus Christ, the Righteous Judge and King.

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 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Jeremiah 20:13

Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

Luke 11:13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

1 Timothy 5:5

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.