Luke 18:2
He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This judge wasn't just corrupt; he was utterly detached from any external accountability, neither fearing God in his heart nor caring about what any person thought of him. This double void—no divine check and no human regard—shows he operated in a moral vacuum, making him the perfect illustration of someone who would only act under extreme pressure.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his followers they should always pray and not give up. He begins by describing a judge in a certain city who is completely corrupt, fearing neither God nor caring what people think of him. This sets the stage for the widow who will relentlessly seek justice from this unjust judge, illustrating the importance of persistence in prayer.
Imagine a judge who holds power over people's lives, yet doesn't care about justice, God, or even what others think. What kind of world does such a person create?
Jesus introduces us to a judge in a certain city who is the epitome of unrighteousness. He "neither feared God nor respected man." This isn't just a description of a bad judge; it's a picture of someone completely detached from any external accountability.
Beyond Just Bad Behavior
This judge represents the absolute worst of human corruption, setting the stage for the profound lesson Jesus is about to teach.
In a system designed to ignore the vulnerable, how can one find justice? This parable shows the power of not giving up.
The judge's character is intentionally extreme to highlight the unlikely source of his eventual action: a persistent widow.
Weary from Without, Not Within
Understand the original words
kritēs · Greek Noun
A person appointed to preside over legal cases and administer law; in a biblical context, it often refers to one with the authority to deliver a verdict or render judgment.
phobos · Greek Noun
A term denoting reverential awe, obedience, and submission to the character and sovereignty of the Almighty.
This parable was delivered during a time of Roman occupation and burgeoning religious movement, highlighting the need for unwavering faith and prayer amidst worldly corruption and divine patience.
c. 6 BC - c. AD 30
Roman rule in Judea
During Jesus' ministry, Judea was under Roman occupation, with varying degrees of local autonomy and direct Roman governance. This period was marked by tension and a need for justice, often influenced by Roman law and local customs.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus began teaching and healing throughout Galilee and Judea, gathering disciples and attracting crowds. His teachings often challenged the religious and social norms of the time.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus teaches the Parable of the Persistent Widow
Jesus told this parable to his disciples, illustrating the importance of persistent prayer and assuring them that God, unlike the unjust judge, would surely hear and answer the prayers of His elect.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
The central events of Christian faith, Jesus' death and resurrection, occurred in Jerusalem, signifying redemption and the establishment of a new covenant.
This passage describes tax collectors and sinners being baptized by John the Baptist, and Jesus later eating with them, showing a contrast to those who outwardly appear righteous but inwardly lack true reverence.
Romans 1:18Paul explains that God's wrath is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness, highlighting that a lack of fear for God and disregard for others is the foundation of His judgment.
Jeremiah 5:2The prophet condemns Israel for their persistent unfaithfulness, stating that they swear falsely and that their rulers and the people 'regard no man,' echoing the judge's complete lack of moral compass.
1 Samuel 2:12This verse describes the wicked sons of Eli who 'knew not the LORD,' showing how a lack of divine fear leads to contempt for God's commands and people, similar to the unjust judge.
Proverbs 1:7It states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, while fools despise wisdom and instruction, reinforcing the idea that the judge's actions stem from a fundamental lack of godly wisdom and respect.
calvinLuke 18:1-8: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
- And he spake also a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to grow weary: 2. Saying, There was a judge in a city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. 3. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice on my adversary. 4. And he refused for some time, [322] but afterwards said within himself, Though I neither fear God, nor regard man,…
gillLuke 18:2: "Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:"
Saying, there was in a city a judge,.... In every city in the land of Israel, there was a sanhedrim, or court of judicature; in Jerusalem was the great sanhedrim, consisting of seventy one; and in every city where there were an hundred and twenty men, or more, there was a lesser sanhedrim, consisting of twenty three; and in a city in which there were not an hundred and twenty men, were three judges; fo…
This judge wasn't just corrupt; he was utterly detached from any external accountability, neither fearing God in his heart nor caring about what any person thought of him. This double void—no divine check and no human regard—shows he operated in a moral vacuum, making him the perfect illustration of someone who would only act under extreme pressure.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his followers they should always pray and not give up. He begins by describing a judge in a certain city who is completely corrupt, fearing neither God nor caring what people think of him. This sets the stage for the widow who will relentlessly seek justice from this unjust judge, illustrating the importance of persistence in prayer.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his followers they should always pray and not give up. He begins by describing a judge in a certain city who is completely corrupt, fearing neither God nor caring what people think of him. This sets the stage for the widow who will relentlessly seek justice from this unjust judge, illustrating the importance of persistence in prayer.
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This scenario is Jesus' setup to contrast human unresponsiveness with divine responsiveness.
Jesus uses a flawed human system to teach about a perfect divine one. What's the crucial difference we must grasp?
The entire point of the parable isn't to suggest God is like the unjust judge, but to emphasize God's superior character and His commitment to His people.
The Argument from Lesser to Greater
Jesus wants us to understand that while human systems may fail us, God's faithfulness is absolute. He hears His children, and while His timing might test our faith, His eventual justice is certain.
c. AD 40-60
Early Church growth and spread
The message of Jesus spread rapidly through the Roman Empire, carried by apostles and early believers, facing persecution but also establishing communities of faith.
"He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man." — This judge wasn't just corrupt; he was utterly detached from any external accountability, neither fearing God in his heart nor caring about what any person thought of him. This double void—no divine…
