The crucial insight here is that God's "long-suffering" isn't about Him being slow to act, but rather His patient endurance towards us as we cry out. It's a divine patience that tests our faith, not an indifferent delay, setting Him apart from the unjust judge who acted out of annoyance.
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to teach his disciples that they should always pray and not give up. This verse continues that thought, posing a rhetorical question to emphasize that if even an unjust human judge will eventually respond to persistent pleas, how much more will a loving and just God hear the cries of His chosen people who call out to Him constantly. He's contrasting God's character with the judge's to assure believers their persistent prayers are not in vain, even if God seems to delay His response.
Jesus uses a story about an unjust judge to make a point about God. How can a flawed human example teach us about a perfect God?
Jesus employs an argument known as 'from the lesser to the greater.' He presents a scenario that is, in many ways, the opposite of God’s character—a corrupt judge who initially refuses justice. Yet, even this unjust figure eventually yields to the widow’s persistent pleas.
Jesus isn't saying God is like this judge. Instead, he's saying: If even a selfish, uncaring human will respond to relentless requests, how much more will a perfectly loving and just God respond to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night?
This highlights the incredible confidence we can have in God’s willingness to hear and act, even when it doesn’t seem like it. The contrast emphasizes God's goodness, not His reluctance.
The verse mentions God 'bearing long' with His elect. What does this mean, and why doesn't He act immediately?
The phrase 'though he bear long with them' can be tricky. It's not saying God is slow to act because His elect are a burden. Instead, it points to God's incredible patience, often referred to as His 'longsuffering.'
This longsuffering can have a couple of dimensions:
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So, when it feels like God is taking too long, remember His patience is not a sign of indifference, but a part of His wise, sovereign plan.
What does it mean to be one of God's 'elect,' and what is the significance of their constant prayer?
Being God's 'elect' means being chosen by God. It’s not based on merit, but on His sovereign, loving choice. These are the ones He calls His own, those for whom Jesus particularly interceded.
The verse describes them as those who 'cry to him day and night.' This isn't about reciting empty words or making repetitive requests (Matthew 6:7). It signifies:
This persistent prayer is not what earns God's attention, but it is the evidence of His work in their hearts and the pathway through which He chooses to act.
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.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14. It highlights both His humanity and His divine authority as the coming judge and king of the kingdom of God.
pistis · Greek Noun
Biblical faith is not mere intellectual assent but a firm, active reliance and trust in God and His promises. It involves an ongoing commitment and dependence on Christ, even in the absence of tangible evidence.
This parable was spoken during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a time of intense pressure and impending suffering for his disciples. It was meant to encourage them to persevere in prayer amidst persecution and uncertainty, assuring them that God, unlike an unjust judge, would surely answer their cries for justice.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus teaches on prayer
Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer, including the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, emphasizing the need for constant prayer and not losing heart.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' ministry in Judea and Galilee
Jesus travels, teaches, and performs miracles throughout Judea and Galilee, drawing crowds and facing increasing opposition from religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33
Growing opposition from religious leaders
Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes increasingly challenge Jesus' teachings and authority, viewing him as a threat to their established religious and social order.
c. AD 33
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus begins his final journey to Jerusalem, knowing his suffering and death await him there, teaching his disciples along the way.
c. AD 33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, but is resurrected on the third day, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating his divine authority.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early church growth and persecution
The Gospel spreads rapidly, but the early followers of Jesus face significant persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
This passage reflects a similar cry of desperation and questioning of God's intervention in the face of oppression, mirroring the elect's plea in Luke 18:7.
Psalm 55:17-18This psalm expresses a constant prayer life amidst distress, echoing the 'cry day and night' of the elect and the hope for God's deliverance.
Romans 8:33-34This passage powerfully affirms God's vindication of His elect, answering the implicit question of Luke 18:7 about whether God will stand by His chosen people.
Revelation 6:9-11This vision shows the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, directly paralleling the 'elect who cry day and night' and the theme of divine vengeance.
2 Peter 3:9This verse explains the 'long-suffering' mentioned in Luke 18:7, clarifying that God's delay is not neglect but patience, allowing time for salvation.
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 crucial insight here is that God's "long-suffering" isn't about Him being slow to act, but rather His patient endurance towards us as we cry out. It's a divine patience that tests our faith, not an indifferent delay, setting Him apart from the unjust judge who acted out of annoyance.
Jesus has just told a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to teach his disciples that they should always pray and not give up. This verse continues that thought, posing a rhetorical question to emphasize that if even an unjust human judge will eventually respond to persistent pleas, how much more will a loving and just God hear the cries of His chosen people who call out to Him constantly. He's contrasting God's character with the judge's to assure believers their persistent prayers are not in vain, even if God seems to delay His response.
Jesus has just told a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to teach his disciples that they should always pray and not give up. This verse continues that thought, posing a rhetorical question to emphasize that if even an unjust human judge will eventually respond to persistent pleas, how much more will a loving and just God hear the cries of His chosen people who call out to Him constantly. He's contrasting God's character with the judge's to assure believers their persistent prayers are not in vain, even if God seems to delay His response.
"And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”" — The crucial insight here is that God's "long-suffering" isn't about Him being slow to act, but rather His patient endurance towards us as we cry out. It's a divine patience that tests our faith, no…
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Last reviewed October 2026
