Luke Chapter 18 · Verse 1

Authorized King James Version

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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Original Language Analysis

Ἔλεγεν he spake G3004
Ἔλεγεν he spake
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 13
but, and, etc
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραβολὴν a parable G3850
παραβολὴν a parable
Strong's: G3850
Word #: 4 of 13
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πρὸς G4314
πρὸς
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 6 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεῖν to this end that men ought G1163
δεῖν to this end that men ought
Strong's: G1163
Word #: 8 of 13
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
πάντοτε always G3842
πάντοτε always
Strong's: G3842
Word #: 9 of 13
every when, i.e., at all times
προσεύχεσθαι to pray G4336
προσεύχεσθαι to pray
Strong's: G4336
Word #: 10 of 13
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 12 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐκκακεῖν, to faint G1573
ἐκκακεῖν, to faint
Strong's: G1573
Word #: 13 of 13
to be (bad or) weak, i.e., (by implication) to fail (in heart)

Analysis & Commentary

Luke introduces the parable: Jesus spoke 'unto them a parable to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.' The phrase 'ought always to pray' (Greek 'dei pantote proseuchesthai,' δεῖ πάντοτε προσεύχεσθαι) indicates necessity and constancy—continuous, persistent prayer, not occasional requests. 'Not to faint' (Greek 'mē enkakein,' μὴ ἐνκακεῖν) means not lose heart, grow weary, or give up. The parable of the persistent widow (vv. 2-8) illustrates this principle—persistent prayer eventually prevails. Prayer requires endurance, faith, and refusal to quit despite delayed answers.

Historical Context

Jewish tradition valued regular prayer (Daniel prayed three times daily, Daniel 6:10). However, Jesus taught more than scheduled prayers—constant communion with God, persistent intercession, enduring faith despite unanswered prayers. The parable's judge who 'feared not God, neither regarded man' (v. 2) represents the opposite of God—if even an unjust judge eventually responds to persistence, how much more will a loving heavenly Father answer His children's prayers? Jesus concludes by questioning whether He'll find faith on earth when He returns (v. 8), suggesting maintaining persistent prayer requires faith and endurance many lack.

Questions for Reflection