King James Version

What Does Luke 18:3 Mean?

Luke 18:3 in the King James Version says “And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:3 · 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;

5

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The widow's persistence: 'And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.' The 'widow' (χήρα, chēra) represents society's most vulnerable—without husband, social status, or legal protection. Yet she persistently 'came unto him' (ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν, ērcheto pros auton, imperfect tense indicating repeated action). Her request: 'Avenge me of mine adversary' (Ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου, Ekdikēson me apo tou antidikou mou)—grant me justice against my opponent. She had no leverage—no money for bribes, no connections for influence, no threats to compel action. All she had was persistence. Despite repeated refusals, she kept coming. This models persistent, faith-filled prayer that refuses to give up despite delayed answers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Widows in ancient society faced extreme vulnerability. Without husbands or male relatives to advocate for them, they easily became victims of exploitation (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 27:19, Isaiah 1:17). Biblical law repeatedly mandates protection for widows, orphans, and foreigners—society's powerless (Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:17, Psalm 68:5, 146:9, James 1:27). This widow had a legal case but no means to secure justice from a corrupt judge. Her only weapon was persistent presence and repeated plea. Jesus holds her up as a model for prayer—come repeatedly, refuse discouragement, persist until God answers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the widow's vulnerability and powerlessness teach about approaching God in prayer?
  2. How does persistence in prayer demonstrate faith rather than doubt?
  3. What situations in your life require the kind of persistent prayer this widow modeled?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
χήρα1 of 18

a widow

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

δὲ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἦν3 of 18

there was

G2258

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

ἐν4 of 18

in

G1722

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

τῇ5 of 18
G3588

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

πόλει6 of 18

city

G4172

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

ἐκείνῃ7 of 18

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ8 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἤρχετο9 of 18

she came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς10 of 18

unto

G4314

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,

αὐτὸν11 of 18

him

G846

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

λέγουσα12 of 18

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

Ἐκδίκησόν13 of 18

Avenge

G1556

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

με14 of 18

me

G3165

me

ἀπὸ15 of 18

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ16 of 18
G3588

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

ἀντιδίκου17 of 18

adversary

G476

an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)

μου18 of 18

mine

G3450

of me


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 18:3 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 18:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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