Luke 18:5 - yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
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What does "Luke 18:5" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8. Let's break it down:
"yet because this widow bothers me...": The judge in the parable is an unjust and uncaring man. He doesn't fear God or respect people. His motivation is solely based on self-interest. He's not moved by justice or compassion for the widow.
"...I will defend her...": He finally decides to rule in her favor, not because it's the right thing to do, but because...
"...or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'": This is the key. The widow is so persistent and relentless in her requests for justice that she is annoying the judge. He's not swayed by her plight, but by his own desire to get rid of her and her constant badgering. The phrase "wear me out" (often translated as "wear me down" or "give me no rest") suggests she is exhausting him with her constant presence and demands. He's giving in to her not out of goodness, but to achieve peace and quiet for himself.
In essence, the verse is saying the unjust judge will grant the widow justice simply to shut her up and stop her from pestering him.
Meaning in the context of the parable:
The parable is designed to teach about the importance of persistent prayer. Jesus is contrasting the unjust judge with God. If even an unjust judge will eventually grant a request out of sheer annoyance, how much more likely will a just and loving God respond to those who diligently and persistently pray to Him?
The points Jesus is making:
God is not like the unjust judge: God is not uncaring or reluctant to answer prayers. He is motivated by love and a desire to help His children.
Persistence in prayer is vital: We should not give up easily when facing difficulties or seeking God's help. We should continue to pray with faith and persistence.
God will ultimately bring justice: While it may not always be in the way we expect, God will ultimately answer our prayers and bring about justice in His perfect timing.
Therefore, the verse highlights the judge's lack of moral character and the power of persistence. It sets up a stark contrast with God's character and invites us to persistent and unwavering prayer.
Luke 18:5 - yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
What does "Luke 18:5" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8. Let's break it down:
"yet because this widow bothers me...": The judge in the parable is an unjust and uncaring man. He doesn't fear God or respect people. His motivation is solely based on self-interest. He's not moved by justice or compassion for the widow.
"...I will defend her...": He finally decides to rule in her favor, not because it's the right thing to do, but because...
"...or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'": This is the key. The widow is so persistent and relentless in her requests for justice that she is annoying the judge. He's not swayed by her plight, but by his own desire to get rid of her and her constant badgering. The phrase "wear me out" (often translated as "wear me down" or "give me no rest") suggests she is exhausting him with her constant presence and demands. He's giving in to her not out of goodness, but to achieve peace and quiet for himself.
In essence, the verse is saying the unjust judge will grant the widow justice simply to shut her up and stop her from pestering him.
Meaning in the context of the parable:
The parable is designed to teach about the importance of persistent prayer. Jesus is contrasting the unjust judge with God. If even an unjust judge will eventually grant a request out of sheer annoyance, how much more likely will a just and loving God respond to those who diligently and persistently pray to Him?
The points Jesus is making:
God is not like the unjust judge: God is not uncaring or reluctant to answer prayers. He is motivated by love and a desire to help His children.
Persistence in prayer is vital: We should not give up easily when facing difficulties or seeking God's help. We should continue to pray with faith and persistence.
God will ultimately bring justice: While it may not always be in the way we expect, God will ultimately answer our prayers and bring about justice in His perfect timing.
Therefore, the verse highlights the judge's lack of moral character and the power of persistence. It sets up a stark contrast with God's character and invites us to persistent and unwavering prayer.