Luke 18:6

Analysis & Commentary

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith—Jesus draws attention to His own interpretation of the parable. The phrase ho kritēs tēs adikias (ὁ κριτὴς τῆς ἀδικίας) literally means 'the judge of unrighteousness,' emphasizing his corrupt nature. The imperative akousate (ἀκούσατε) means 'hear and understand' the deeper lesson.

Jesus's commentary technique is crucial: He doesn't leave parables open to interpretation. Instead, He explicitly directs His disciples to learn from the contrast. If persistence prevails with an unjust judge who cares nothing for God or man, how much more effective is persistent prayer to a Father who loves His children and delights in answering them?

Historical Context

Jesus often used rabbinic teaching methods like qal wahomer (light and heavy)—arguing from a lesser case to a greater one. This technique was common in first-century Jewish teaching. By calling attention to 'what the unjust judge says,' Jesus ensures His disciples don't miss the central point: God's character is the opposite of this judge, making persistent prayer even more effective, not less.

Questions for Reflection

• Why does Jesus explicitly direct attention to the unjust judge's words rather than leaving interpretation unstated?
• How does understanding God's character as opposite to the unjust judge transform your approach to persistent prayer?
• What does Jesus's interpretive method teach about reading and applying His parables correctly?