Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιήσει
G4160
ποιήσει
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 22
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
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βοώντων
cry
G994
βοώντων
cry
Strong's:
G994
Word #:
13 of 22
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
14 of 22
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,
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 22
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
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
16 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μακροθυμῶν
he bear long
G3114
μακροθυμῶν
he bear long
Strong's:
G3114
Word #:
20 of 22
to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient
Cross References
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Luke 11:13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?Revelation 6:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.2 Thessalonians 1:6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;Psalms 88:1O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:Matthew 7:11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?Luke 2:37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.Habakkuk 2:3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Historical Context
The term 'elect' reflects biblical teaching on divine election—God chose His people before creation (Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29-30, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Their security rests not on their faithfulness but God's unchanging purpose. That they 'cry day and night' indicates persistent prayer characterized by urgency and desperation. The phrase 'bear long' (μακροθυμεῖ, makrothymei) means patience, longsuffering—God delays answers not from callousness but purposes beyond immediate understanding. His delays often serve to:
- deepen dependence
- strengthen faith
- reveal deeper needs
- accomplish larger purposes
- prepare recipients for blessings.
Delayed answers aren't denials but divine wisdom working beyond our sight.
Questions for Reflection
- What does describing believers as 'elect' teach about the security and certainty of answered prayer?
- How should you interpret delayed answers to prayer—as divine indifference or divine wisdom?
- What purposes might God accomplish through delaying answers that He couldn't accomplish through immediate response?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus applies the lesson: 'And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?' This rhetorical question expects affirmative answer: of course God will avenge His elect! The term 'his own elect' (τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ, tōn eklektōn autou) refers to God's chosen people who 'cry day and night unto him' (βοώντων αὐτῷ ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός, boōntōn autō hēmeras kai nyktos)—persistent, urgent prayer. The phrase 'though he bear long with them' (καὶ μακροθυμεῖ ἐπ' αὐτοῖς, kai makrothymei ep' autois) indicates God's patience, not indifference. Divine delay isn't abandonment but longsuffering that provides opportunity for greater good to emerge. God will certainly vindicate His people, though timing may test faith.