Devine Scripture

Luke 18:3

What does Luke 18:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:3 means

In contrast to the powerful, unrighteous judge, Jesus introduces a vulnerable widow in the same city. Widows in ancient society often lacked social standing and protection, making her position precarious. Her repeated plea to the judge, "Avenge me of mine adversary," shows her desperate need for justice and her unwavering determination despite her disadvantaged status. Her persistence is a key element of the parable, setting up the central lesson.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was a widow in that town, and she kept on coming to him and saying, Give me my right against the man who has done me wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a widow was in that city, and she was coming unto him, saying, Do me justice on my opponent,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of my adversary.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adverse party.

Context

Following the introduction of the unrighteous judge in verse 2, this verse introduces the second main character of the parable: the persistent widow. Her plight and her repeated appeals directly set up the conflict and the central theme of persistence in prayer. The contrast between her vulnerability and the judge's power is critical for appreciating the subsequent verses.

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

v.3This passage

v.4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 1:21

    How is the faithful city become a harlot! she that was full of justice! righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers.

  • Isaiah 1:17

    learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

  • Deuteronomy 27:19

    Cursed be he that wresteth the justice due to the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

  • Romans 13:3

    For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:

  • Job 29:13

    The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

  • 2 Samuel 14:5

    And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, Of a truth I am a widow, and my husband is dead.

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