King James Version

What Does Luke 18:4 Mean?

Luke 18:4 in the King James Version says “And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man—the unjust judge's internal monologue reveals his godless character. The Greek phrase ouk ephoboumēn ton theon (οὐκ ἐφοβούμην τὸν θεόν) means 'I do not fear God,' showing complete lack of divine accountability. Similarly, anthrōpon ou entrepomaiō (ἄνθρωπον οὐ ἐντρέπομαι) means 'I have no regard for man'—no human opinion matters to him.

This judge represents the opposite of God's character. Jesus argues a minore ad majus (from lesser to greater): if even this corrupt magistrate eventually yields to persistence, how much more will a loving Father respond to His children's prayers? The parable teaches that persistent prayer overcomes even the worst obstacles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman-occupied Judea had both Jewish courts (religious matters) and Roman courts (civil/criminal cases). Local magistrates often operated with little oversight, creating opportunities for corruption. Widows had no legal advocates and were frequently exploited (Isaiah 1:23). Jesus's audience would immediately recognize this judge as representing the worst kind of judicial corruption—someone with absolute power and zero accountability to either divine or human authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this unjust judge's character reveal about the obstacles believers may face in prayer?
  2. How does Jesus's 'lesser to greater' argument strengthen confidence in God's responsiveness to prayer?
  3. What role does persistence play in developing faith that trusts God's character despite delayed answers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤθελησεν3 of 21

he would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐπὶ4 of 21

for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

χρόνον5 of 21

a while

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

μετὰ6 of 21
G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ7 of 21

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα8 of 21

afterward

G5023

these things

εἶπεν9 of 21

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐν10 of 21

within

G1722

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

ἑαυτῷ11 of 21

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Εἰ12 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ13 of 21

And

G2532

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

τὸν14 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸν15 of 21

God

G2316

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

οὐκ16 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

φοβοῦμαι17 of 21

I fear

G5399

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

καὶ18 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἄνθρωπον19 of 21

man

G444

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

οὐκ20 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐντρέπομαι21 of 21

regard

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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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