And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse uses a rhetorical question that seems to highlight God's inaction, but the original Greek word suggests God is "patiently enduring" or "showing long-suffering" towards His elect, not that He is delaying justice because of them. This hints that God's "delay" isn't indifference but a deliberate, patient testing of faith or a preparation for His perfect timing.
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach his followers to pray always and not give up. He then poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing that if even an unfair judge eventually grants justice out of annoyance, how much more will a loving God answer the cries of His chosen people who constantly seek Him. This sets up the expectation that God will indeed act on behalf of those who faithfully call out to Him.
Jesus uses a deeply unfair judge to teach about God. How can such a comparison reveal divine justice?
Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge who initially refuses a widow's plea for justice. He only acts because she is persistent, annoying him into it. Jesus then contrasts this corrupt judge with God. If even a wicked human will eventually respond to relentless pleading, how much more will a perfectly just and loving God respond to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night?
The key isn't that God is like the unjust judge in character, but that the principle of persistent prayer yielding results is universal. God's delay isn't due to indifference or reluctance like the judge's; it's often to test faith, refine character, or for His purposes to ripen.
Why does God 'bear long' with His elect, and what does this delay mean for us?
The phrase 'though he bear long with them' is crucial. It points to God's incredible patience. This patience can be understood in a couple of ways:
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This long-suffering doesn't mean God is apathetic. It means His justice and mercy operate on a grander scale than our immediate desires might anticipate.
Understand the original words
eklektos · Greek Adjective (used as a Noun)
Literally meaning 'picked out' or 'chosen.' In Scripture, it refers to those whom God has sovereignly selected for salvation and relationship with Himself, based on His grace rather than human merit.
ekdikēsis · Greek Noun
The rendering of a verdict that rights a wrong, vindicates the oppressed, or executes divine judgment. In the context of the elect, it refers to God intervening on behalf of His people to deliver them and establish His righteousness.
This teaching from Jesus comes as his ministry is gaining momentum but also facing increasing opposition. It's a crucial reminder to his followers, who would soon endure intense persecution, that God hears their prayers and will ultimately bring justice, even if His timing seems long.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus teaches disciples
Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer and perseverance, using parables to illustrate his points. This teaching occurs during his ministry in Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' ministry intensifies
Jesus' popularity grows, drawing crowds but also increasing opposition from religious leaders. His disciples experience both encouragement and the challenges of following him.
c. AD 30-33
Growing opposition to Jesus
Religious and political leaders become more concerned about Jesus' influence and teachings, seeing him as a potential threat to their authority.
c. AD 33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, crucified, and then resurrected, offering ultimate vindication and hope for his followers.
c. AD 33 - onwards
Early church persecution
The followers of Jesus face significant opposition, persecution, and hardship from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
This passage shows God's willingness to hear Abraham's persistent intercession for the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating that even in judgment, God responds to persistent pleas, highlighting His justice and listening ear.
Psalm 9:12This psalm declares that God remembers the cries of the afflicted and will not forget them, echoing the promise in Luke that God hears His elect who cry out to Him day and night.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13Paul prays for the Thessalonians that God would direct their hearts and make them increase in love, culminating in steadfastness 'until the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints,' which aligns with the theme of enduring faith and God's eventual vindication.
Revelation 6:9-11The souls of martyrs under the altar cry out for justice, asking 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell in the earth?' This directly parallels the elect crying out to God for vindication and justice.
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 18:7: "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?"
And shall not GodThe emphasis is on God. In the Greek order, "and God, shall he not," etc.Though he bear long with themA very difficult passage, and interpretations vary greatly.(1.) The verb μακροθυμέω means to be long-suffering, or to endure patiently. Such is its usual rendering in the New Testament.(2.) Them (αὐτοῖς) refers not to the persecutors of God's elect, but to th…
The verse uses a rhetorical question that seems to highlight God's inaction, but the original Greek word suggests God is "patiently enduring" or "showing long-suffering" towards His elect, not that He is delaying justice because of them. This hints that God's "delay" isn't indifference but a deliberate, patient testing of faith or a preparation for His perfect timing.
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach his followers to pray always and not give up. He then poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing that if even an unfair judge eventually grants justice out of annoyance, how much more will a loving God answer the cries of His chosen people who constantly seek Him. This sets up the expectation that God will indeed act on behalf of those who faithfully call out to Him.
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach his followers to pray always and not give up. He then poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing that if even an unfair judge eventually grants justice out of annoyance, how much more will a loving God answer the cries of His chosen people who constantly seek Him. This sets up the expectation that God will indeed act on behalf of those who faithfully call out to Him.
"And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?" — The verse uses a rhetorical question that seems to highlight God's inaction, but the original Greek word suggests God is "patiently enduring" or "showing long-suffering" towards His elect, not that…
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Last reviewed October 2026