Luke 18:5
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luke 18:5 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of a parable that Jesus told to His disciples to teach them about the importance of persistent prayer. Jesus introduced the parable with the clear purpose that men ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1). In the parable, there was a judge in a city who feared not God, neither regarded man (Luke 18:2). A widow in that city came to him repeatedly, asking for justice against her adversary (Luke 18:3). The judge refused for a while, but eventually he said within himself that because this widow troubled him, he would avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary him (Luke 18:4-5).
Meaning
In this verse, the unjust judge acknowledges that he is giving in to the widow’s persistence. He says, “Yet because this widow troubleth me,” indicating that her continual coming and pleading for justice had become bothersome to him. However, he still decides to avenge her, not because he is just or compassionate, but to avoid being further troubled by her persistent requests.
The Greek word translated “troubleth” conveys the idea of causing weariness or trouble, and the word translated “weary” literally means “to strike under the eye” or “to blacken an eye.” The judge feared being worn out by her persistent appeals. Her continual coming eventually moved him to act, not out of justice or compassion, but out of self-interest.
Biblical connections
Jesus uses this contrast to teach that if an unjust judge will respond to persistent pleading, how much more will God, who is just and loving, respond to His elect who cry out to Him day and night (Luke 18:7-8). The Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:6-8).
The parable concludes with a searching question: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). This links persistent prayer to enduring faith in the face of delay.
Application
This parable teaches us about the importance of persistence and faithfulness in prayer. The widow’s relentless pursuit of justice serves as an example for believers to persistently bring their petitions before God. It also highlights the stark contrast between the unjust judge and God, who is just, loving, and compassionate. Jesus emphasizes that if an unjust judge can grant justice due to persistence, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father answer our prayers when we come to Him with faith and perseverance.
The widow’s continual coming to the judge symbolizes the persistence that believers should demonstrate in their prayer life. It encourages us to remain steadfast, not growing weary or giving up, but rather to keep seeking God’s intervention and guidance in our lives.
It’s important to note that this parable does not imply that God is reluctant to answer our prayers or that He needs to be persuaded like the unjust judge. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of persistently seeking God’s will and aligning our hearts with His purposes. God desires that His children remain faithful and committed in their prayers, trusting in His timing and His perfect will.
Reflection
Luke 18:5 teaches us about the significance of persistent prayer. The parable of the persistent widow encourages believers to persevere in seeking God, knowing that He is just, loving, and faithful. It reminds us that even when it seems like our prayers are not immediately answered, we should not lose heart but continue to trust in God and persistently bring our requests before Him.
