Luke 18:3-5
And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Greek word translated "avenge" actually means "do me justice" or "vindicate me." This isn't about seeking personal revenge, but about restoring what was taken from her, highlighting her desperate need for legal fairness and protection that was being denied.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his disciples the importance of persistent, unwavering prayer. The story features a corrupt judge who fears neither God nor man and a helpless widow who repeatedly pleads with him for justice against someone who has wronged her. The widow's relentless appeals, even to an unjust authority, eventually wear down the judge, compelling him to act, not out of righteousness, but for his own peace.
The word 'avenge' can sound harsh, almost vengeful. But what did this widow really want, and why does it matter?
When this widow cries out, 'Give me justice against my adversary,' the Greek word isn't about revenge in the way we might first imagine. It's about legal vindication and deliverance from oppression.
The Heart of the Request
This widow didn't just show up once. Her repeated visits were the key to her success – and a vital lesson for us.
The parable Jesus tells is designed to teach us about prayer, and the widow is the model for how to pray.
Why She Kept Coming
Understand the original words
chēra · Greek Noun
A woman whose husband has died; in Scripture, widows are frequently presented as a vulnerable class under God’s special protection, often representing those who have no earthly defense.
ekdikēsis · Greek Noun
The standard of moral and legal righteousness; it refers to the vindication of the oppressed or the restoration of what is right according to God’s law.
antidikos · Greek Noun
An opponent or legal plaintiff; in spiritual terms, it can denote anyone or anything that stands against the believer’s vindication or righteousness.
kopiaō · Greek Verb
To harass, weary, or wear someone down; here it describes the persistent, relentless action of the widow that makes it impossible for the judge to remain indifferent.
The parable's context highlights the deep-seated societal vulnerability of widows and the pervasive corruption that often denied them justice, making the widow's plight a stark and relatable example for Jesus' audience.
c. 9th-8th century BC
Prophets condemn oppression of widows
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah condemned the powerful who neglected the needy, specifically mentioning the injustice faced by widows and fatherless children.
c. 5th century BC
Law provides for widows
The Law of Moses mandated special care and justice for widows, reflecting their vulnerable social position.
c. 1st century BC
Widow of Tekoah's plea
The skilled widow of Tekoah used a dramatic plea to King David to secure justice against her adversary, showing a historical precedent for such legal appeals.
c. 1st century AD
Jewish leaders exploit widows
Jesus condemned religious leaders who devoured widows' houses while pretending to be devout, highlighting systemic corruption.
c. AD 30-33
This passage highlights the injustice faced by widows and the call for righteous judgment, echoing the widow's plea for fairness against her oppressor in Luke 18:3.
Matthew 23:14Jesus condemns those who 'devour widows' houses,' showing the vulnerability of widows to exploitation, which underscores the desperate situation of the widow in Jesus' parable.
James 5:4This verse directly addresses the injustice against the poor and laborers, stating their cries have reached the Lord Almighty, paralleling the widow's persistent cry for justice.
1 Peter 5:8Peter warns believers to be sober and vigilant because the 'adversary' the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, connecting to the concept of an 'adversary' who seeks to harm and oppress.
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,…
vincentLuke 18:3: "And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary."
Avenge (ἐκδικησον)The word is too strong. It means do me justice. See on Romans 12:19.
The Greek word translated "avenge" actually means "do me justice" or "vindicate me." This isn't about seeking personal revenge, but about restoring what was taken from her, highlighting her desperate need for legal fairness and protection that was being denied.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his disciples the importance of persistent, unwavering prayer. The story features a corrupt judge who fears neither God nor man and a helpless widow who repeatedly pleads with him for justice against someone who has wronged her. The widow's relentless appeals, even to an unjust authority, eventually wear down the judge, compelling him to act, not out of righteousness, but for his own peace.
Jesus tells a parable to teach his disciples the importance of persistent, unwavering prayer. The story features a corrupt judge who fears neither God nor man and a helpless widow who repeatedly pleads with him for justice against someone who has wronged her. The widow's relentless appeals, even to an unjust authority, eventually wear down the judge, compelling him to act, not out of righteousness, but for his own peace.
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This isn't about 'wearing God out' like the judge, but about the strength of faith demonstrated through unwavering persistence when answers aren't immediate.
Why a widow? This detail isn't accidental. It paints a stark picture of helplessness and why her plea was so urgent.
In the ancient world, a widow was often the most vulnerable person in society. This context gives immense weight to her story.
Facing the World Alone
Jesus chose this figure to represent those who feel overlooked, powerless, and forgotten, reminding us that God sees and hears even the most marginalized.
Jesus tells the parable
Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge to teach his disciples they should always pray and not give up.
c. AD 60-62
Paul references widowhood and justice
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, discusses the practical needs of widows within the church and the broader concept of seeking justice.
"And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keep…" — The Greek word translated "avenge" actually means "do me justice" or "vindicate me." This isn't about seeking personal revenge, but about restoring what was taken from her, highlighting her desperate…
