King James Version

What Does Luke 18:2 Mean?

Luke 18:2 in the King James Version says “Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: in a city: Gr. in a certain city” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: in a city: Gr. in a certain city”

Luke 18:2 · KJV

Context

1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: in a city: Gr. in a certain city

3

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus describes the judge: 'Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man.' This judge had two defining characteristics: he 'feared not God' (τὸν θεὸν μὴ φοβούμενος, ton theon mē phoboumenos) and he 'regarded not man' (ἄνθρωπον μὴ ἐντρεπόμενος, anthrōpon mē entrepomenos, didn't respect people). He was utterly corrupt—answerable to no one, driven purely by self-interest. Such judges were common in first-century Palestine under Roman occupation—appointed officials who exploited their positions for personal gain. If even this worst possible judge eventually grants justice (v. 5), how much more will the perfectly just and compassionate God answer His children's prayers? The parable argues from lesser to greater.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman-occupied Judea suffered from corrupt judicial systems. Local judges often accepted bribes and perverted justice. The prophets consistently condemned unjust judges (Isaiah 1:23, Micah 3:11). This judge represents the worst possible scenario—no fear of divine judgment, no concern for public opinion, driven entirely by selfishness. Yet even he eventually grants justice. Jesus uses this extreme negative example to teach about God's character by contrast: if the worst judge can be moved to act justly, infinitely more will the righteous, loving heavenly Father respond to His children's persistent prayers. The parable doesn't compare God to the unjust judge but contrasts them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the unjust judge's character emphasize God's goodness by contrast?
  2. What does this parable teach about persistence in prayer when answers seem delayed?
  3. How should understanding God's justice and compassion shape your prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
λέγων,1 of 15

“Saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Κριτής2 of 15

“judge”

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

τινι3 of 15

“a”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἦν4 of 15

“There was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἔν5 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τινι6 of 15

“a”

G5100

some or any person or object

πόλει7 of 15

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τὸν8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸν9 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μὴ10 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβούμενος11 of 15

“which feared”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

καὶ12 of 15

“neither”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄνθρωπον13 of 15

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μὴ14 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐντρεπόμενος15 of 15

“regarded”

G1788

to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 18:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 29:7Psalms 8:1-4Luke 18:4Micah 3:1-3Jeremiah 22:16-17Ezekiel 22:6-8

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