Luke 18:4
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤθελησεν
he would
G2309
ἤθελησεν
he would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 21
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
χρόνον
a while
G5550
χρόνον
a while
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
5 of 21
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
μετὰ
G3326
μετὰ
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
11 of 21
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
φοβοῦμαι
I fear
G5399
φοβοῦμαι
I fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
17 of 21
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman-occupied Judea had both Jewish courts (religious matters) and Roman courts (civil/criminal cases). Local magistrates often operated with little oversight, creating opportunities for corruption. Widows had no legal advocates and were frequently exploited (Isaiah 1:23). Jesus's audience would immediately recognize this judge as representing the worst kind of judicial corruption—someone with absolute power and zero accountability to either divine or human authority.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this unjust judge's character reveal about the obstacles believers may face in prayer?
- How does Jesus's 'lesser to greater' argument strengthen confidence in God's responsiveness to prayer?
- What role does persistence play in developing faith that trusts God's character despite delayed answers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man—the unjust judge's internal monologue reveals his godless character. The Greek phrase ouk ephoboumēn ton theon (οὐκ ἐφοβούμην τὸν θεόν) means 'I do not fear God,' showing complete lack of divine accountability. Similarly, anthrōpon ou entrepomaiō (ἄνθρωπον οὐ ἐντρέπομαι) means 'I have no regard for man'—no human opinion matters to him.
This judge represents the opposite of God's character. Jesus argues a minore ad majus (from lesser to greater): if even this corrupt magistrate eventually yields to persistence, how much more will a loving Father respond to His children's prayers? The parable teaches that persistent prayer overcomes even the worst obstacles.