Luke 18:3 - A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
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What does "Luke 18:3" mean?
This verse sets the scene for the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge, found in Luke 18:1-8. Let's break down what it means:
"A widow was in that city": Widows in that time period were often vulnerable and had little social standing. They were frequently left without means of support and susceptible to exploitation. This emphasizes the widow's powerlessness.
"and she often came to him": The word "often" highlights the widow's persistence. She was not giving up. She repeatedly went to the judge for help.
"saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’": This is the core of her plea. She was asking the judge to provide her with justice against someone who was taking advantage of her (her "adversary"). We don't know the exact nature of the dispute, but the judge's later reluctance suggests it was something he wasn't inclined to prioritize. It could be a legal dispute over property, money, or some other right she felt entitled to.
In essence, the verse describes a vulnerable woman repeatedly seeking justice from a powerful figure who is presumably unwilling to help her. This sets the stage for Jesus's teaching about the importance of persistent prayer. If an unjust judge eventually gives in to persistent nagging, how much more will a just and loving God respond to the persistent prayers of those who seek Him?
Luke 18:3 - A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
What does "Luke 18:3" mean?
This verse sets the scene for the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge, found in Luke 18:1-8. Let's break down what it means:
"A widow was in that city": Widows in that time period were often vulnerable and had little social standing. They were frequently left without means of support and susceptible to exploitation. This emphasizes the widow's powerlessness.
"and she often came to him": The word "often" highlights the widow's persistence. She was not giving up. She repeatedly went to the judge for help.
"saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’": This is the core of her plea. She was asking the judge to provide her with justice against someone who was taking advantage of her (her "adversary"). We don't know the exact nature of the dispute, but the judge's later reluctance suggests it was something he wasn't inclined to prioritize. It could be a legal dispute over property, money, or some other right she felt entitled to.
In essence, the verse describes a vulnerable woman repeatedly seeking justice from a powerful figure who is presumably unwilling to help her. This sets the stage for Jesus's teaching about the importance of persistent prayer. If an unjust judge eventually gives in to persistent nagging, how much more will a just and loving God respond to the persistent prayers of those who seek Him?