Luke 18:5
New International Version
yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

New Living Translation
but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

English Standard Version
yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”

Berean Standard Bible
yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’”

Berean Literal Bible
yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, so that in the end she does not exhaust me, coming to me.'"

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

New King James Version
yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’”

NASB 1995
yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’”

NASB 1977
yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, lest by continually coming she wear me out.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice, lest by continually coming she wears me out.’”

Amplified Bible
yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will give her justice and legal protection; otherwise by continually coming she [will be an intolerable annoyance and she] will wear me out.’”

Christian Standard Bible
yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’”

American Standard Version
yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

Contemporary English Version
I will help this widow because she keeps on bothering me. If I don't help her, she will wear me out."

English Revised Version
yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'll have to give her justice. Otherwise, she'll keep coming to me until she wears me out.'"

Good News Translation
yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!'"

International Standard Version
yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice. Otherwise, she will keep coming and wear me out.'"

Majority Standard Bible
yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.??

NET Bible
yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out by her unending pleas.'"

New Heart English Bible
yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her justice, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Weymouth New Testament
yet because she annoys me I will give her justice, to prevent her from constantly coming to pester me.'"

World English Bible
yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, lest, continuously coming, she may bruise me.”

Berean Literal Bible
yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, so that in the end she does not exhaust me, coming to me.'"

Young's Literal Translation
yet because this widow doth give me trouble, I will do her justice, lest, perpetually coming, she may plague me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Yet because this widow produces fatigue to me, I will avenge her, lest in the end, coming, she give me a blow under the eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet because this widow is troublesome to me, I will avenge her, lest continually coming she weary me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
yet because this widow is pestering me, I will vindicate her, lest by returning, she may, in the end, wear me out.’ ”

New American Bible
because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, so that she may not keep coming and annoy me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
'Nevertheless, because this widow wearies me, I shall avenge her, lest she be constantly coming and annoying me.' “
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Godbey New Testament
yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face.

Haweis New Testament
yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity,

Mace New Testament
yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me.

Weymouth New Testament
yet because she annoys me I will give her justice, to prevent her from constantly coming to pester me.'"

Worrell New Testament
yet, because this widow occasions me trouble, I will avenge her, lest, by her persistent coming, she wear me out.'"

Worsley New Testament
nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Persistent Widow
4For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, 5yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests. ’” 6And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge.…

Cross References
Matthew 15:27-28
“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” / “O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Luke 11:8
I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Isaiah 62:6-7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Genesis 32:24-28
So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. / When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. / Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” ...

1 Samuel 1:12-17
As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. / Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk / and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!” ...

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. / But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Psalm 55:17
Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

1 Kings 18:42-44
So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. / “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” / On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” And Elijah replied, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”


Treasury of Scripture

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

because.

Luke 11:8
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Judges 16:16
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

2 Samuel 13:24-27
And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant…

weary.

Luke 18:39
And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

Matthew 15:23
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Mark 10:47,48
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me…

Jump to Previous
Avenge Bothering Completely Constantly Continual Continually Defend Eventually Frequent Gets Harass Justice Keeps Otherwise Perpetually Pester Prevent Protection Right Tired Trouble Troubleth Vindicate Wear Weary Widow Won't
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Avenge Bothering Completely Constantly Continual Continually Defend Eventually Frequent Gets Harass Justice Keeps Otherwise Perpetually Pester Prevent Protection Right Tired Trouble Troubleth Vindicate Wear Weary Widow Won't
Luke 18
1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.














yet because this widow keeps pestering me
In the context of Luke 18, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to teach about the importance of persistent prayer and faith. The widow represents those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society, often without a male advocate in a patriarchal culture. Her persistence is a model of faith and determination, reflecting the believer's need to continually seek God. The judge, though unjust, is moved by her persistence, illustrating that even those who are indifferent can be swayed by perseverance. This phrase highlights the power of relentless faith and prayer, encouraging believers to persist in their petitions to God.

I will give her justice
The judge's decision to grant justice, despite his initial reluctance, underscores the theme of divine justice. In the broader biblical narrative, God is portrayed as a just judge who hears the cries of His people (Psalm 9:7-10). This phrase reassures believers that God, unlike the unjust judge, is inherently just and will respond to the persistent prayers of His people. It also reflects the biblical principle that God defends the cause of the widow and the oppressed (Deuteronomy 10:18). The assurance of justice is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to God's ultimate plan to right all wrongs.

Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’”
The phrase "wear me out" can be understood as a metaphor for the judge's concern about being overwhelmed by the widow's persistence. In the original Greek, the term used implies being beaten down or exhausted. This reflects the cultural context where persistence was often necessary to achieve justice, especially for those without power or influence. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice serves as a metaphor for the believer's need to persist in prayer. This persistence is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the exhortation to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The parable encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will respond in His perfect timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Persistent Widow
A central figure in Jesus' parable, representing those who are vulnerable and powerless in society. Her persistence in seeking justice is a key theme.

2. The Unjust Judge
A character in the parable who neither fears God nor respects people. He represents worldly authority that is often indifferent to righteousness.

3. The City
The setting of the parable, symbolizing the world where justice is often delayed or denied.

4. Jesus
The accountteller of the parable, using this account to teach about the nature of prayer and the character of God.

5. God
Implicitly contrasted with the unjust judge, representing divine justice and faithfulness to His people.
Teaching Points
Persistence in Prayer
The widow's relentless pursuit of justice teaches us the importance of being persistent in our prayers, trusting that God hears and will respond in His perfect timing.

God's Justice vs. Human Justice
Unlike the unjust judge, God is righteous and just. We can trust that He will bring about justice for His elect, even if it seems delayed from our perspective.

Faith in Action
The widow's actions demonstrate that faith is not passive. We are called to actively seek God's will and justice in our lives and communities.

Trust in God's Character
The parable reassures us of God's character as loving and just, encouraging us to approach Him with confidence and trust.

Encouragement in Trials
In times of trial and waiting, this parable encourages believers to remain hopeful and persistent, knowing that God is attentive to our cries.(5) Lest by her continual coming she weary me.--The latter verb is again one which takes its place in the vocabulary of unusual words common to St. Luke and St. Paul. It meets us in 1Corinthians 9:27, and is there rendered "I keep under my body." Literally, however, it expresses the act of the pugilist when he strikes a blow which leaves a livid bruise on his opponent's face, and it would seem to have been transferred, in the natural transition of popular metaphor into the forms of colloquial language, from the arena to common life. So we talk of men "hitting hard" or "giving a knock-down blow" in controversy or debate. What is described here is the continuous shower of blows, each of which is short of a "knock-down," while their accumulative effect is, in the nearest equivalent of modern English, that the man is so "punished" that he is glad to give over at any price.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
yet
γε (ge)
Particle
Strong's 1065: A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.

because
διά (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

this
ταύτην (tautēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

widow
χήραν (chēran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.

keeps pestering me,
παρέχειν (parechein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3930: From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.

I will give her justice.
ἐκδικήσω (ekdikēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1556: To give justice over, defend, avenge, vindicate. From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish.

[Then]
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

she will stop wearing me out
ὑπωπιάζῃ (hypōpiazē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5299: From a compound of hupo and a derivative of optanomai; to hit under the eye, i.e. to tease or annoy, subdue.

with her perpetual requests.’”
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.


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