Luke 18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray  * 18:1 Lk 11:5–13; 21:36; 1Th 5:17 always and not give up.  * 18:1 2Co 4:12 "There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God* 18:2 Ps 147:11; Pr 1:7; Ac 10:2; Rv 14:7or respect people.3 And a widow* 18:3 Lk 2:37; 4:26; 7:12; 21:2in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

4 "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people,5 yet because this widow keeps* 18:5 Lk 11:8pestering me,* 18:5 Lit widow causes me troubleI will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out* 18:5 Or doesn’t ruin my reputationby her persistent coming.’ "

6 Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.7 Will not God grant justice* 18:7 Is 63:4; Rv 6:10to his elect* 18:7 Mt 24:22; Rm 8:33; 2Tm 2:10; Ti 1:1who cry out to him day and night?* 18:7 Ps 88:1Will he delay* 18:7 2Pt 3:9helping them?* 18:7 Or Will he put up with them?8 I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,* 18:8 Dn 7:13; Lk 9:26; 12:40will he find faith on earth? "