Luke 18:8

KJV

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

KJV (with Strong's)

I tell {G3004} you {G5213} that {G3754} he will {G4160} avenge {G1557} them {G846} speedily {G5034}{G1722}. Nevertheless {G4133} when {G687} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} cometh {G2064}, shall he find {G2147} faith {G4102} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}?

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you that he will judge in their favor, and quickly! But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all?”

Berean Standard Bible

I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

American Standard Version

I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:8 concludes the Parable of the Persistent Widow with Jesus's direct application, assuring His disciples that God will swiftly bring justice to His elect who cry out to Him. This promise of divine vindication is immediately followed by a profound, sobering question regarding the state of faith on earth at the time of the Son of Man's return, challenging believers to consider the endurance and quality of their own spiritual conviction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the interpretive climax and direct application of the [Parable of the Persistent Widow](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"), which Jesus introduces with the explicit purpose "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - Parable of the Persistent Widow")). The parable contrasts an unrighteous, self-serving judge with a persistent, vulnerable widow. Despite his indifference to God and man, the judge grants her justice due to her relentless appeals. Jesus then draws a forceful a fortiori (how much more) argument: if an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? The "speedily" in [Luke 18:8a](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - God Will Avenge Speedily") should be understood in light of God's eternal perspective and certain timing, not necessarily an immediate human timeline, emphasizing the certainty and decisiveness of His intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, widows were among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, often lacking legal protection, property rights, and male advocates. They were frequently targets of exploitation, making the widow's relentless pursuit of justice against an "unjust judge" ([Luke 18:2](/luke/18-2 "Luke 18:2 - The Unjust Judge")) particularly poignant. Judges held significant power, and their corruption was a serious societal problem. The concept of "avenging" (`ekdíkēsis`) here is not about personal revenge but about legal vindication and the establishment of justice for the wronged, a core aspect of God's character throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). The expectation of a coming Messiah, often referred to as the "Son of Man" (a title with roots in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Comes")), who would bring ultimate justice and establish God's kingdom, was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 18:8](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - The Son of Man and Faith") encapsulates several major themes central to Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering commitment to justice and vindication** for His elect, assuring them that their cries in the face of oppression or injustice will be heard and answered. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of persistent, unwavering prayer**, directly linking it to the certainty of God's response. The parable's opening declaration in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - On Persistent Prayer") sets this as the primary lesson. Thirdly, the verse introduces a crucial **eschatological dimension** through the mention of the "Son of Man's" return, pointing to the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan and the final establishment of His kingdom. Finally, and perhaps most poignantly, it raises a profound question about the **endurance and quality of faith** at the end of the age, challenging believers to cultivate a steadfast and active trust in God's character and promises, even amidst delay or adversity, as seen in the broader discourse on the end times in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **avenge (Greek, _ekdíkēsis'_):** From G1557, this term signifies vindication or retribution. In this context, it refers to God's righteous act of bringing justice to His elect, defending their cause against those who oppress them. It is not about personal revenge but about the divine establishment of what is right and just.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, this primary verb means "to come or go." Here, it specifically refers to the future, decisive arrival of the "Son of Man," signifying His Second Coming and the ultimate culmination of God's plan. It implies a powerful, sovereign advent.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, this word denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction. In the New Testament, it often refers to reliance upon Christ for salvation, but in this context, it encompasses a broader sense of active trust, faithfulness, and steadfast obedience to God, particularly in the face of delay or adversity. It is the kind of persevering faith exemplified by the widow, which believes in God's ultimate justice and continues to cry out.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell you that he will avenge them speedily."**: Jesus emphatically declares that God will certainly and decisively bring justice to His chosen ones. The term "speedily" (G5034, G1722) indicates not necessarily immediate timing in human terms, but rather the certainty and swiftness of God's action from His eternal perspective, emphasizing that when He acts, it will be decisive and without delay. This is a divine assurance to those who persevere in prayer and seek His justice.
* **"Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh,"**: This phrase marks a significant shift, introducing a profound eschatological dimension. "Nevertheless" (G4133) signals a contrast or a new, perhaps challenging, thought. The "Son of Man" (G5207, G444) is Jesus's favored self-designation, highlighting both His humanity and His divine authority as the Messiah, particularly in His role as judge and king at His glorious return. This clause sets the stage for the critical question that follows, linking the promise of divine justice to the ultimate event of Christ's Second Coming.
* **"shall he find faith on the earth?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question (G687, "âra," indicating a presumed negative answer). It is not a definitive prediction that faith will be entirely absent, but rather a sobering query about the quality, depth, and prevalence of genuine, persevering faith at the time of Christ's return. "Faith" (G4102) here implies the active, enduring trust in God's character and promises, the kind that persists in prayer and believes in God's ultimate justice despite delays or societal pressures. The question challenges believers to consider whether their faith will be found steadfast and true in the face of increasing apostasy, indifference, or spiritual lukewarmness in the end times. "On the earth" (G1909, G1093) emphasizes the global scope of this concern.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:8 is rich in **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "shall he find faith on the earth?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to provoke deep introspection and challenge the audience. It implies a concern that true, enduring faith may be scarce at the time of Christ's return, urging listeners to examine their own spiritual state. There is also a powerful **Contrast** at play: the certainty of God's swift justice for His elect is juxtaposed with the potential scarcity of genuine faith among humanity. This highlights the tension between divine faithfulness and human spiritual vulnerability. The phrase "avenge them **speedily**" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or divine perspective, emphasizing the certainty and decisiveness of God's action rather than an immediate chronological speed in human terms. Finally, the title "**Son of Man**" functions as **Symbolism**, a messianic title that evokes both Jesus's humanity and His divine authority as the eschatological judge and king, drawing on Old Testament prophecy, particularly from [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts and the Son of Man").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:8 stands as a pivotal verse, seamlessly weaving together themes of divine justice, the nature of prayer, and eschatological expectation. It assures believers of God's unwavering commitment to vindicate His elect, providing profound comfort and encouragement for those who suffer injustice and cry out to Him. This divine vindication is not a mere possibility but a certainty, rooted in God's righteous character. However, this assurance is immediately followed by a stark challenge concerning the state of human faith at the time of Christ's return. This rhetorical question serves as a perpetual call to self-examination, urging believers across all generations to cultivate a deep, abiding, and persevering faith that can withstand the trials and temptations of the world, remaining steadfast until the very end. The verse thus balances the comforting promise of God's faithfulness with the sobering responsibility of human faithfulness.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance is Needed")
* [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - Love Will Grow Cold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:8 offers a dual challenge and comfort for the contemporary believer. The initial promise, "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily," serves as a powerful anchor for our souls, particularly when we face injustice, oppression, or simply feel unheard in our prayers. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in the affairs of His people, and His justice, though sometimes delayed from our perspective, is absolutely certain and will be executed decisively. This should fuel our perseverance in prayer, encouraging us to "always pray and not faint" ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Purpose of the Parable")). We are called to embody the persistent widow's spirit, trusting that our righteous God will indeed answer. The latter part of the verse, however, pivots to a profound introspection: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" This is a piercing question for every generation. It compels us to examine the quality and depth of our own faith. Is it a superficial, fair-weather faith, or is it a deep, enduring conviction that actively trusts God's character and promises, even when answers are slow or the world seems to be spiraling into godlessness? This verse calls us to cultivate a vibrant, active, and steadfast faith that not only believes in Christ's return but lives in eager expectation and readiness, demonstrating its authenticity through persistent prayer and unwavering trust in God's ultimate justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate persistent faith, even when answers seem delayed?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice encourage you when you face or witness injustice in the world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more enduring faith that would be "found" by Christ at His return?**
* **How does living in light of Christ's imminent return impact your daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "speedily" mean in this context? Does it imply immediate action?**

Answer: The term "speedily" (Greek: `táchos`) in [Luke 18:8](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - God's Speedy Vengeance") does not necessarily mean "immediately" in human chronological terms. Rather, it emphasizes the certainty and decisiveness of God's action from His divine perspective. For God, who exists outside of human time, His intervention is always timely and effective, and when He acts, it is swift and conclusive. The parable's point is not about the speed of the answer, but the certainty that God, unlike the unjust judge, will indeed vindicate His elect. It assures believers that their cries will not go unheard or unanswered indefinitely, but that God's justice will prevail in His perfect timing.

**Is Jesus predicting that there will be no faith left on earth when He returns?**

Answer: Jesus's question, "shall he find faith on the earth?" ([Luke 18:8](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - The Question of Faith")) is a rhetorical one, designed to provoke thought and challenge, rather than a definitive prediction of absolute absence of faith. While it suggests that genuine, persevering faith will be rare and hard to find amidst the spiritual decline and apostasy of the end times (as also indicated in passages like [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - Lawlessness and Cold Love")), it does not mean faith will be completely eradicated. Instead, it serves as a sobering warning and a call to vigilance for believers to ensure their own faith is active, enduring, and steadfast, the kind of faith that persists in prayer and trusts God's justice despite challenges and delays.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "Son of Man" ([Luke 18:8](/luke/18-8 "Luke 18:8 - Son of Man")) whose coming is anticipated, not just as a future event, but as the central reality of God's redemptive plan. Christ perfectly embodies the divine justice promised in the first part of the verse; He is the one through whom God will "avenge" His elect, not through human retribution, but through His righteous judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. His first coming inaugurated this justice through His atoning sacrifice, where He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of sin and injustice. His resurrection and ascension were God's swift vindication of Him, demonstrating that justice had been served and triumph secured. Furthermore, Christ is both the object and the author of the "faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")) that the verse questions. He is the one in whom we must place our trust, and it is by His Spirit that true, persevering faith is sustained. The question of whether He will find faith on the earth at His return is a call to look to Him, the one who endured to the end ([Hebrews 12:3](/hebrews/12-3 "Hebrews 12:3 - Consider Him Who Endured")), and to draw from His inexhaustible grace the strength to remain steadfast until His glorious second advent, when He will return as the [righteous Judge](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness") to fully vindicate His people and establish His eternal reign.

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 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

2 Peter 3:8

¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

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.

Matthew 24:9

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Matthew 24:13

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luke 17:26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.