Luke 18:4
What does Luke 18:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 18:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 18:4 means
Initially, the unrighteous judge refused the widow's consistent pleas. His motivation for eventually considering her case was entirely self-serving, as he admitted to himself. He was not moved by justice, compassion, or a newfound fear of God or man, but purely by the desire to escape the nuisance caused by the widow's ceaseless presence. This internal monologue reveals his character remains unchanged, yet he acts due to external pressure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And for a time he would not: but later, he said to himself, Though I have no fear of God or respect for man,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he would not for a time, but after these things he said in himself, Even if God I do not fear, and man do not regard,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he would not for a time; but afterwards he said within himself, If even I fear notGod and respect not man,
Context
This verse describes the judge's initial resistance and his subsequent internal reflection. It reveals the judge's true, unrighteous character, emphasizing that his eventual decision will not be born of virtue. This internal thought process is crucial for understanding that if an unrighteous judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a righteous God respond to His children's prayers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 16:3
And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed.
- Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Luke 12:17
and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?
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