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's question isn't just about whether people believe in God, but whether they still believe God's promises and continue to act on them through prayer, even when circumstances are bleak. The real challenge isn't God's faithfulness, but our own perseverance in trusting Him when relief seems distant.
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 a persistent widow who finally gets justice from an unjust judge because she wouldn't give up. He then asserts that God will swiftly bring justice to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night. The verse poses a stark contrast, questioning whether, despite God's faithfulness and swift action, the Son of Man will find any faith left on earth when He returns.
When you're crying out to God, does it feel like help is never coming? Jesus assures us that God's justice is not just inevitable, but swift.
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow who finally gets justice from an unjust judge. He then pivots to God, our Father. He promises that God will avenge His elect, those who cry out to Him day and night. And importantly, He says this will happen 'speedily.'
What does 'speedily' mean here? It's not necessarily about minutes or hours, but about the certainty and suddenness of God's intervention. It's a promise that God's action is sure and will come at the appointed crisis, often when all hope seems lost. Think of it as God acting decisively when the moment is precisely right, not necessarily when we think it should be.
This 'speedy' justice reassures us that God sees our struggles and will step in, even if the waiting period feels long. It's a reminder that our cries don't go unheard and that divine justice is on its way, often in ways and at times we least expect.
Jesus, after promising God's swift justice, asks a poignant question that cuts to the heart of our spiritual journey. Will faith even still be found?
The second part of verse 8 is a striking question: 'Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' This isn't a statement that faith will be absent, but a profound, almost sorrowful, question that highlights the difficulty of maintaining faith.
The context is crucial. Jesus is speaking about persistent prayer and God's eventual, swift justice. The danger isn't that God will fail, but that will. We might grow weary, stop praying, or lose hope under trial. This question probes whether, after enduring the long wait and all the pressures of life, people will still hold onto their belief.
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It points to a reality: the enemy, the world, and our own flesh constantly work against faith. 'Iniquity will abound, and the love of many will grow cold' (Matthew 24:12) is the backdrop. Jesus isn't predicting universal unbelief, but expressing concern that true, persevering faith might become a rare commodity amidst the pressures and delays.
Understand the original words
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 verse was spoken by Jesus during his earthly ministry, but the question about finding faith when he returns resonates through the history of the Church, especially during times of intense persecution and hardship that tested believers' endurance.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Parable
Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge to his disciples, emphasizing the need to pray always and not lose heart.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christian faith, leading to the establishment of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.
c. 40-60 AD
Early Church Persecutions
The nascent Christian community faces sporadic and localized persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, initiating a period of intense persecution in Rome.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, a catastrophic event for Judaism and a sign for Christians of the end times nearing.
c. 95 AD
Persecution under Emperor Domitian
Domitian demands divine honors for himself, leading to persecution of Christians who refuse to worship him.
This verse echoes Jesus' concern about the prevalence of lawlessness and the cooling of love in the face of difficult times, directly relating to the dwindling faith mentioned in Luke 18:8.
2 Thessalonians 1:8-10This passage speaks of the Lord's coming in flaming fire to inflict vengeance, and receiving glory and wonder from those who have believed, highlighting the ultimate vindication for the faithful that Luke 18:8 anticipates.
Hebrews 10:36This verse directly calls for perseverance in faith and doing the will of God so that we may receive what is promised, which is the core message behind Jesus' question about finding faith when he returns.
James 5:7-8James urges patience until the Lord's coming, likening it to a farmer waiting for the harvest, which directly parallels the theme of enduring faith through delay as presented in Luke 18:8.
Luke 21:25-28Jesus describes signs in the heavens and distress of nations before his return, but also encourages believers to look up, for their redemption is drawing near, providing context for the 'faith on earth' Jesus questions.
barnesLuke 18:8: "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"
Speedily - Suddenly, unexpectedly. He will surely vindicate them, and that at a time, perhaps, when they were nearly ready to give over and to sink into despair. This may refer to the deliverance of the disciples from their approaching trials and persecutions among the Jews; or, in general, to the fact that God will interpose and aid his people. Nevertheless - Bu…
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,…
Jesus's question isn't just about whether people believe in God, but whether they still believe God's promises and continue to act on them through prayer, even when circumstances are bleak. The real challenge isn't God's faithfulness, but our own perseverance in trusting Him when relief seems distant.
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow who finally gets justice from an unjust judge because she wouldn't give up. He then asserts that God will swiftly bring justice to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night. The verse poses a stark contrast, questioning whether, despite God's faithfulness and swift action, the Son of Man will find any faith left on earth when He returns.
Jesus has just told a parable about a persistent widow who finally gets justice from an unjust judge because she wouldn't give up. He then asserts that God will swiftly bring justice to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night. The verse poses a stark contrast, questioning whether, despite God's faithfulness and swift action, the Son of Man will find any faith left on earth when He returns.
"I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”" — Jesus's question isn't just about whether people believe in God, but whether they still believe God's promises and continue to act on them through prayer, even when circumstances are bleak. The r…
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Last reviewed October 2026