Luke 18:7

Luke 18:7, in plain English

Jesus is reassuring you that God absolutely will bring justice for those who keep calling out to Him. He won't drag His feet when His people need Him.

Why it's here

This wraps up a parable about a widow who refused to give up, even when a corrupt judge ignored her. Jesus is saying: if even that judge caved, how much more will your loving God respond?

Who's speaking

Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples, turning a story into a promise you can hold onto.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus has been painting a picture of relentless prayer through a gutsy widow's story. Now He pulls back the curtain to show you what God is really like.

The scholarly reading

Jesus assures that God will execute justice (ekdikēsis) for His chosen ones who persistently cry out. The rhetorical question expects an emphatic affirmative answer.

Language and setting

This concludes the Parable of the Persistent Widow (18:1-8), contrasting the unjust judge with God's faithful character. The argument moves from lesser to greater (qal wahomer).

Voice

Jesus speaks to His disciples, drawing the parable's theological conclusion about God's responsiveness to prayer.

Significance

Jesus has been teaching His disciples about persistent prayer through the parable of a widow who wore down an unjust judge. Now He turns the lesson toward God's far greater faithfulness.

5yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’”

6And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge.

7Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?

8I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

9To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:

Read all of Luke 18 — A stubborn widow, a humble tax collector, and a rich ruler who can't let go. Jesus shows that the kingdom belongs to those who won't give up and won't pretend.