Luke 18:4 - He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,
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What does "Luke 18:4" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8. It describes the inner thoughts of the unjust judge. Let's break down the meaning:
"He wouldn’t for a while...": This refers to the judge's initial refusal to grant the widow justice. He ignored her pleas and requests.
"but afterward he said to himself...": This indicates a change in the judge's thinking. He begins to rationalize his eventual decision to help the widow.
"‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,": This is the key to understanding the verse. It reveals the judge's corrupt and selfish character.
"I neither fear God...": This means the judge doesn't have reverence, awe, or any sense of accountability to a higher power. He doesn't believe in divine judgment or consequences for his actions.
"...nor respect man": This signifies that he has no regard for other people's opinions, rights, or well-being. He doesn't care about social norms, ethics, or the needs of others. He is completely self-centered.
In essence, the verse is highlighting the extreme lack of morality and empathy in this judge. He's not motivated by any sense of justice, duty, or compassion. He's only concerned with himself. This is crucial for understanding the point of the parable.
The Significance in the Parable:
Jesus tells this parable to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and faith. The contrast between the unjust judge and God is stark. If even a selfish and uncaring judge will eventually grant justice due to persistence, how much more will a loving and just God answer the prayers of those who cry out to Him in faith? The judge's words emphasize just how far he is from being like God and that if someone like him will act out of being annoyed by the woman, God will surely help those who ask and do not give up hope.
Luke 18:4 - He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,
What does "Luke 18:4" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8. It describes the inner thoughts of the unjust judge. Let's break down the meaning:
"He wouldn’t for a while...": This refers to the judge's initial refusal to grant the widow justice. He ignored her pleas and requests.
"but afterward he said to himself...": This indicates a change in the judge's thinking. He begins to rationalize his eventual decision to help the widow.
"‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,": This is the key to understanding the verse. It reveals the judge's corrupt and selfish character.
"I neither fear God...": This means the judge doesn't have reverence, awe, or any sense of accountability to a higher power. He doesn't believe in divine judgment or consequences for his actions.
"...nor respect man": This signifies that he has no regard for other people's opinions, rights, or well-being. He doesn't care about social norms, ethics, or the needs of others. He is completely self-centered.
In essence, the verse is highlighting the extreme lack of morality and empathy in this judge. He's not motivated by any sense of justice, duty, or compassion. He's only concerned with himself. This is crucial for understanding the point of the parable.
The Significance in the Parable:
Jesus tells this parable to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and faith. The contrast between the unjust judge and God is stark. If even a selfish and uncaring judge will eventually grant justice due to persistence, how much more will a loving and just God answer the prayers of those who cry out to Him in faith? The judge's words emphasize just how far he is from being like God and that if someone like him will act out of being annoyed by the woman, God will surely help those who ask and do not give up hope.