Luke 18:3
New International Version
And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

New Living Translation
A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’

English Standard Version
And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

Berean Standard Bible
And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

Berean Literal Bible
And there was a widow in that city, and she was coming to him, saying, 'Avenge me of my adversary.'

King James Bible
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

New King James Version
Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’

New American Standard Bible
Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’

NASB 1995
“There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’

NASB 1977
“And there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice from my opponent.’

Amplified Bible
There was a [desperate] widow in that city and she kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice and legal protection from my adversary.’

Christian Standard Bible
And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, Give me justice against my adversary.’

American Standard Version
and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Contemporary English Version
In that same town there was a widow who kept going to the judge and saying, "Make sure that I get fair treatment in court."

English Revised Version
and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In that city there was also a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice.'

Good News Translation
And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, 'Help me against my opponent!'

International Standard Version
In that city there was also a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

Majority Standard Bible
And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

NET Bible
There was also a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'

New Heart English Bible
A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary.

Weymouth New Testament
And in the same town was a widow who repeatedly came and entreated him, saying, "'Give me justice and stop my oppressor.'

World English Bible
A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and a widow was in that city, and she was coming to him, saying, Do me justice on my opponent,

Berean Literal Bible
And there was a widow in that city, and she was coming to him, saying, 'Avenge me of my adversary.'

Young's Literal Translation
and a widow was in that city, and she was coming unto him, saying, Do me justice on my opponent,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a widow was in that city; and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there was a certain widow in that city, and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of my adversary.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But there was a certain widow in that city, and she went to him, saying, ‘Vindicate me from my adversary.’

New American Bible
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’

New Revised Standard Version
In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There was a widow in that city, and she used to come to him, saying, Avenge me of my accuser.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“There was a certain widow in that city, and she was coming to him and saying, 'Vindicate me of my legal adversary.' “
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law.

Godbey New Testament
And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Haweis New Testament
and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary.

Mace New Testament
a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary.

Weymouth New Testament
And in the same town was a widow who repeatedly came and entreated him, saying, "'Give me justice and stop my oppressor.'

Worrell New Testament
And there was a widow in that city; and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Avenge me of my adversary.'

Worsley New Testament
And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Persistent Widow
2“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men,…

Cross References
Matthew 15:22-28
And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” / He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ...

Luke 11:5-8
Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, / because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’ / And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ ...

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

James 5:4
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

Exodus 22:22-24
You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

1 Samuel 2:2-10
There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. / Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. / The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength. ...

Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.


Treasury of Scripture

And there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary.

a widow.

Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

2 Samuel 14:5
And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

Job 22:9
Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Avenge.

Luke 18:7,8
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? …

Romans 13:3,4
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: …

Jump to Previous
Adversary Adverse Avenge City Defend Entreated Grant Justice Kept Legal Oft Often Opponent Oppressor Party Plea Protection Repeatedly Right Stop Vindicate Widow
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Adversary Adverse Avenge City Defend Entreated Grant Justice Kept Legal Oft Often Opponent Oppressor Party Plea Protection Repeatedly Right Stop Vindicate Widow
Luke 18
1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.














And there was a widow
The mention of a "widow" is significant in the biblical context. Widows in ancient Israel were often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking a husband's protection and support. The Greek word for widow, "χήρα" (chēra), emphasizes her status as one who is bereft and in need. The Old Testament frequently commands care for widows, highlighting God's compassion and justice (Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 10:18). This widow's presence in the parable underscores her vulnerability and the societal expectation for justice and protection.

in that town
The phrase "in that town" situates the parable in a specific, yet unnamed, location, suggesting a universal application. The town represents any community where justice should be upheld. In the historical context, towns were often governed by local judges who were expected to administer justice fairly. The setting implies that the widow's plight is not unique but a common issue faced by many in similar circumstances.

who kept appealing to him
The phrase "kept appealing" is translated from the Greek "ἤρχετο" (ērcheto), indicating continuous action. This persistence is a key element of the parable, illustrating the widow's determination and faith. Her repeated appeals reflect a deep-seated belief in the possibility of justice, despite her disadvantaged position. This persistence is a model for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice.

Give me justice
The plea "Give me justice" is a cry for righteousness and fairness. The Greek word "ἐκδίκησόν" (ekdikēson) implies a demand for vindication and the righting of wrongs. In the biblical context, justice is a central theme, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to live in righteousness. The widow's demand highlights the human longing for justice and the assurance that God hears and responds to such cries.

against my adversary
The term "adversary" comes from the Greek "ἀντιδίκου" (antidikou), meaning an opponent in a legal context. This adversary represents any force or person that opposes or oppresses. In a broader spiritual sense, it can symbolize the challenges and injustices believers face in a fallen world. The widow's appeal against her adversary is a reminder of the spiritual battle Christians face and the assurance that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately prevail over all adversaries.

(3) There was a widow in that city.--The neglect of the cause of the widow had always been noted by Lawgiver and Prophet--and it was one of the notes of a high ethical standard in both--as the extremest form of oppressive tyranny (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; Deuteronomy 27:19; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 1:23; Ezekiel 22:7). Comp. also the speech of the widow of Tekoah (2Samuel 14:2; 2Samuel 14:5). . . . Verse 3. - And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. The petitioner was a woman and a widow, the latter being in the East a synonym for helplessness. With no one to defend her or plead her cause, this widow was ever a prey to the covetous. Not once nor twice in the noble generous words of the chivalrous Hebrew prophets we find this readiness on the part of those in power to neglect, if not to oppress these helpless widow-women, sternly commented upon. So in Isaiah we read (Isaiah 1:23), "They judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them." While Jesus (Matthew 23:14) includes this cowardly sin among the evil deeds of the rulers of the Israel of his day: "Ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer." A more desperate situation, as regards any hope of obtaining the object of her earnest prayer, could not well be pictured - a careless, corrupt judge of the lawless Herod period for the tribunal in Israel, and a poor helpless widow for the suppliant. The forlorn woman of the parable represents the Church or people of God in dire straits, overborne by an unbelieving world and seemingly forgotten even of their God. The story is a reminder that there is hope even in that extreme situation sketched in the parable, if the petitioner only continues persistent in her prayer. The argument which lies on the surface of the parable, teaching is obvious: if such a judge will in the end listen to the prayer of a suppliant for whom he cares nothing, will not God surely listen to the repeated prayer of a suppliant whom he loves with a deep, enduring love? Such is the argument of the story. Importunity, it seems to say, must inevitably triumph. But underlying this there is much deep teaching, of which, perhaps, the most important item is that it insists upon the urgent necessity for us all to continue in prayer, never fainting in this exercise though no answer seems to come. "The whole limb of the faithful," as Origen once grandly said, "should be one great connected prayer." That is the real moral of the story; but there are a number of minor bits of Divine teaching contained in this curious parable setting, as we shall see. Avenge me of mine adversary. We must not suppose that mere vengeance in the vulgar sense is what the widow prayed for; that would be of no use to her; all she wanted was that the judge should deliver her from the oppression which her adversary exercised over her, no doubt in keeping from her the heritage to which she was lawfully entitled. Of course, the granting her prayer would revolve loss and possibly punishment to her fraudulent oppressor.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

there was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a widow
χήρα (chēra)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

that
ἐκείνῃ (ekeinē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

town
πόλει (polei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

who kept appealing
ἤρχετο (ērcheto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

‘Give me justice
Ἐκδίκησόν (Ekdikēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1556: To give justice over, defend, avenge, vindicate. From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish.

[against]
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

adversary.’
ἀντιδίκου (antidikou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 476: An opponent (at law), an adversary. From anti and dike; an opponent; specially, Satan.


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