Luke 18:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 18:7
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Chapter Context
Luke 18 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 18:7
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Luke 2:37, Psalms 88:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:6, 1 Timothy 5:5, Revelation 18:20
- Parallel theme: Luke 11:13, Habakkuk 2:3, Matthew 7:11, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 6:10