Devine Scripture

Luke 18:1

What does Luke 18:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:1 means

Jesus begins this parable to teach his followers about the importance of consistent prayer and not giving up. He emphasizes that believers should always maintain a prayerful attitude and approach God with their requests, even when answers seem delayed. The point is not that God is reluctant to answer, but that we should be persistent in our faith and communication with Him. This teaching encourages a steadfastness that trusts in God's character and timing, rather than becoming discouraged or ceasing to pray.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made a story for them, the point of which was that men were to go on making prayer and not get tired;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake also a simile to them, that it behoveth <FI>us<Fi> always to pray, and not to faint,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he spoke also a parable to them to the purport that they should always pray and not faint,

Context

This verse introduces the first of two parables in the chapter, both focused on prayer. It immediately sets the theme for the following verses, explaining Jesus's purpose in telling the story of the persistent widow. Understanding this introductory statement is crucial for correctly interpreting the parable, as it clarifies that the story's main lesson is about the necessity of unwavering prayer.

v.1This passage

v.2saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Psalms 27:13

    I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.

  • Genesis 32:9

    And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, O Jehovah, who saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will do thee good:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:1

    Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

  • Psalms 55:16

    As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me.

  • Luke 21:36

    But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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