King James Version

What Does Luke 18:6 Mean?

Luke 18:6 in the King James Version says “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily . Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith—Jesus draws attention to His own interpretation of the parable. The phrase ho kritēs tēs adikias (ὁ κριτὴς τῆς ἀδικίας) literally means 'the judge of unrighteousness,' emphasizing his corrupt nature. The imperative akousate (ἀκούσατε) means 'hear and understand' the deeper lesson.

Jesus's commentary technique is crucial: He doesn't leave parables open to interpretation. Instead, He explicitly directs His disciples to learn from the contrast. If persistence prevails with an unjust judge who cares nothing for God or man, how much more effective is persistent prayer to a Father who loves His children and delights in answering them?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus often used rabbinic teaching methods like qal wahomer (light and heavy)—arguing from a lesser case to a greater one. This technique was common in first-century Jewish teaching. By calling attention to 'what the unjust judge says,' Jesus ensures His disciples don't miss the central point: God's character is the opposite of this judge, making persistent prayer even more effective, not less.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus explicitly direct attention to the unjust judge's words rather than leaving interpretation unstated?
  2. How does understanding God's character as opposite to the unjust judge transform your approach to persistent prayer?
  3. What does Jesus's interpretive method teach about reading and applying His parables correctly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Εἶπεν1 of 11

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 11
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 11

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἀκούσατε5 of 11

“Hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τί6 of 11

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὁ7 of 11
G3588

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

κριτὴς8 of 11

“judge”

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

τῆς9 of 11
G3588

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

ἀδικίας10 of 11

“the unjust”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

λέγει·11 of 11

“saith”

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

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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:13

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