Devine Scripture

Luke 18:7

What does Luke 18:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:7 means

Jesus contrasts the unrighteous judge with God, asking a rhetorical question that expects a resounding 'yes.' He assures His elect, those who cry out to Him day and night, that God will indeed avenge them. The phrase "longsuffering over them" indicates that God, while perhaps appearing slow to act from a human perspective, is never neglectful but exercises perfect timing and patience. This verse emphasizes God's commitment to His people and His eventual justice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And will not God do right in the cause of his saints, whose cries come day and night to his ears, though he is long in doing it?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and shall not God execute the justice to His choice ones, who are crying unto Him day and night--bearing long in regard to them?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And will not God revenge his elect who cry to him day and night? And will he have patience in their regard?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And shall notGod at all avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, and he bears long as to them?

Context

This verse directly applies the lesson of the persistent widow's parable to God's character. Following Jesus's instruction to consider the judge's words in verse 6, this verse draws a profound contrast, assuring believers of God's perfect justice and responsiveness to the persistent prayers of His chosen ones. It builds confidence in God's nature, unlike the self-serving judge.

v.6And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge saith.

v.7This passage

v.8I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Cross references

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

  • Titus 1:1

    Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6

    if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,

  • Luke 2:37

    and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.

  • Psalms 88:1

    O Jehovah, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee.

  • Psalms 9:8

    And he will judge the world in righteousness, He will minister judgment to the peoples in uprightness.

  • Jeremiah 20:11

    But Jehovah is with me as a mighty one and a terrible: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly put to shame, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten.

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