For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The judge's shocking self-confession, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man," isn't just about his wickedness, but highlights how even the most corrupt motives can lead to an outcome that appears just. It’s a stark reminder that outward actions don't always reveal the heart, and that God hears our prayers even when our deepest trust is in His character, not our own merit.
For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is telling a parable about a persistent widow seeking justice from an unjust judge who fears neither God nor man. Initially, the judge ignores her pleas, but her relentless visits and demands eventually wear him down. This judge's cynical reasoning – that he'll grant her request simply to be rid of her annoyance – sets up Jesus' point that God, unlike this corrupt judge, will surely and righteously answer His chosen people when they cry out to Him, even if it takes time.
Why would Jesus use such a dark character to teach about prayer? This judge wasn't just a little unfair; he was something else entirely.
Jesus introduces a judge who embodies a complete lack of moral compass. He explicitly states, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man.' This isn't just a bad judge; he's a godless and humanless one.
A Moral Vacuum
This extreme character highlights the contrast Jesus is building. If even someone so corrupt can be moved by persistence, how much more will a loving God respond?
The widow wouldn't leave the judge alone. What does her annoying persistence teach us about getting God's attention?
The judge's eventual decision isn't born from a sudden change of heart or a newfound sense of justice. It's purely a reaction to the widow's relentless annoyance.
Annoyance Over Righteousness
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Jesus uses this unpleasant scenario to teach a profound lesson: our prayers should be persistent. It's not that God is unwilling like this judge, but that He desires to cultivate faith and perseverance in us. He wants us to keep coming, not because we're bothering Him, but because our persistent prayer builds our faith and aligns us with His will.
This passage echoes the same theme of persistent seeking and knocking in prayer, reinforcing the idea that continuous petition is effective. Jesus here directly encourages the disciples to ask, seek, and knock, implying that perseverance is key to receiving.
1 Thessalonians 5:17This verse directly commands believers to 'pray without ceasing,' aligning perfectly with the parable's core message about the importance of persistent prayer and not giving up. It highlights that constant prayer is a directive from God, not just a suggestion.
Romans 12:12Here, Paul urges believers to be 'joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer,' which directly relates to the widow's persistent approach and the judge's initial refusal. It underscores patience and faithfulness as vital components of prayer.
James 5:16James speaks of the 'effective prayer of a righteous person' and emphasizes its power, mirroring the widow's success through her relentless plea. This passage encourages righteous individuals to persist in prayer, assuring them of its significant impact.
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,…
meyerLuke 18:4: "And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;"
Luke 18:4-5 . Ἐπὶ χρόνον ] for a time , Hom. Il . ii. 299; Plat. Protag . p. 344 B, Phaed . p. 84 C; Nägelsbach, Anm. z. Ilias , ed. 3, p. 284. διάγε ] as at Luke 11:8 . ἵνα μὴ κ . τ . λ .] is explained: that she may not continually ( εἰς τέλος equal to διὰ τέλους , see Kypke and Wetstein; comp. לָעַד , לָנֶצַח ) come and plague me. See also Luther’s gloss. But that ὑπωπιάζω (…
The judge's shocking self-confession, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man," isn't just about his wickedness, but highlights how even the most corrupt motives can lead to an outcome that appears just. It’s a stark reminder that outward actions don't always reveal the heart, and that God hears our prayers even when our deepest trust is in His character, not our own merit.
Jesus is telling a parable about a persistent widow seeking justice from an unjust judge who fears neither God nor man. Initially, the judge ignores her pleas, but her relentless visits and demands eventually wear him down. This judge's cynical reasoning – that he'll grant her request simply to be rid of her annoyance – sets up Jesus' point that God, unlike this corrupt judge, will surely and righteously answer His chosen people when they cry out to Him, even if it takes time.
Jesus is telling a parable about a persistent widow seeking justice from an unjust judge who fears neither God nor man. Initially, the judge ignores her pleas, but her relentless visits and demands eventually wear him down. This judge's cynical reasoning – that he'll grant her request simply to be rid of her annoyance – sets up Jesus' point that God, unlike this corrupt judge, will surely and righteously answer His chosen people when they cry out to Him, even if it takes time.
"For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man," — The judge's shocking self-confession, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man," isn't just about his wickedness, but highlights how even the most corrupt motives can lead to an outcome that *appea…
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Last reviewed October 2026