Luke Chapter 18 · Verse 3
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Original Language Analysis
χήρα
a widow
G5503
χήρα
a widow
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
1 of 18
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνῃ
that
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
7 of 18
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤρχετο
she came
G2064
ἤρχετο
she came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 18
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,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
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
λέγουσα
saying
G3004
λέγουσα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
15 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 1:17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.Deuteronomy 27:19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.Job 29:13The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.Job 22:9Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.Jeremiah 5:28They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
Historical Context
Widows in ancient society faced extreme vulnerability. Without husbands or male relatives to advocate for them, they easily became victims of exploitation (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 27:19, Isaiah 1:17). Biblical law repeatedly mandates protection for widows, orphans, and foreigners—society's powerless (Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:17, Psalm 68:5, 146:9, James 1:27). This widow had a legal case but no means to secure justice from a corrupt judge. Her only weapon was persistent presence and repeated plea. Jesus holds her up as a model for prayer—come repeatedly, refuse discouragement, persist until God answers.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the widow's vulnerability and powerlessness teach about approaching God in prayer?
- How does persistence in prayer demonstrate faith rather than doubt?
- What situations in your life require the kind of persistent prayer this widow modeled?
Analysis & Commentary
The widow's persistence: 'And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.' The 'widow' (χήρα, chēra) represents society's most vulnerable—without husband, social status, or legal protection. Yet she persistently 'came unto him' (ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν, ērcheto pros auton, imperfect tense indicating repeated action). Her request: 'Avenge me of mine adversary' (Ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου, Ekdikēson me apo tou antidikou mou)—grant me justice against my opponent. She had no leverage—no money for bribes, no connections for influence, no threats to compel action. All she had was persistence. Despite repeated refusals, she kept coming. This models persistent, faith-filled prayer that refuses to give up despite delayed answers.