Luke 18:7 Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?

◄ Luke 18:7 ►

New International Version
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

New Living Translation
Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

English Standard Version
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

Berean Standard Bible
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?

Berean Literal Bible
And shall not God execute the avenging of His elect, the ones crying out to Him day and night, and be deferring in regard to them?

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

New King James Version
And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

New American Standard Bible
now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them?

NASB 1995
now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

NASB 1977
now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

Legacy Standard Bible
Now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

Amplified Bible
And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf?

Christian Standard Bible
Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay to help them?

American Standard Version
And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?

Contemporary English Version
Won't God protect his chosen ones who pray to him day and night? Won't he be concerned for them?

English Revised Version
And shall not God avenge his elect, which cry to him day and night, and he is longsuffering over them?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Won't God give his chosen people justice when they cry out to him for help day and night? Is he slow to help them?

Good News Translation
Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them?

International Standard Version
Won't God grant his chosen people justice when they cry out to him day and night? Is he slow to help them?

Majority Standard Bible
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?

NET Bible
Won't God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them?

New Heart English Bible
Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?

Webster's Bible Translation
And will not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night to him, though he beareth long with them?

Weymouth New Testament
And will not God avenge the wrongs of His own People who cry aloud to Him day and night, although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf?

World English Bible
Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and will God not execute justice to His chosen ones, who are crying to Him day and night—bearing long in regard to them?

Berean Literal Bible
And shall not God execute the avenging of His elect, the ones crying out to Him day and night, and be deferring in regard to them?

Young's Literal Translation
and shall not God execute the justice to His choice ones, who are crying unto Him day and night -- bearing long in regard to them?

Smith's Literal Translation
And shall not God do the avenging of his chosen, crying to him day and night, being slow to anger toward them?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And will not God revenge his elect who cry to him day and night: and will he have patience in their regard?

Catholic Public Domain Version
So then, will not God grant the vindication of his elect, who cry out to him day and night? Or will he continue to endure them?

New American Bible
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?

New Revised Standard Version
And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Would not God avenge his chosen ones much more, who call upon him day and night, though he has patience with them?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Shall not God all the more perform vindication for his Elect, who cry to him by day and by night, and he delays his Spirit concerning them?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them?

Godbey New Testament
And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them?

Haweis New Testament
And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them?

Mace New Testament
and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause?

Weymouth New Testament
And will not God avenge the wrongs of His own People who cry aloud to Him day and night, although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf?

Worrell New Testament
And will not God avenge His elect, who are crying to Him day and night, and He is long suffering over them?

Worsley New Testament
and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Persistent Widow
…6And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. 7 Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? 8I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 6:10
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Matthew 24:22
If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Romans 8:33
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

James 5:7-8
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

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.

Psalm 9:12
For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.

Treasury of Scripture

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

shall.

Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

avenge.

1 Samuel 24:12-15
The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee…

1 Samuel 26:10,11
David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish…

Psalm 9:8
And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

which.

Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Psalm 88:1
A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

though.

Psalm 13:1,2
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? …

Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:35-37
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward…

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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.

Berean Study Bible

Will not God
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question, emphasizing the certainty of God's action. The Greek word for "God" here is "Theos," which denotes the supreme deity, the Creator, and Sustainer of the universe. In the context of the Gospel of Luke, God is portrayed as a just and compassionate Father. This phrase reassures believers of God's active involvement in the world and His unwavering commitment to righteousness.

bring about justice
The Greek word for "justice" is "ekdikēsis," which implies vindication or retribution. In the biblical context, justice is not merely about legal fairness but about restoring divine order. This phrase assures believers that God will ultimately set things right, reflecting His holy nature and His covenantal promises to His people. It is a reminder of the eschatological hope that God will rectify all wrongs.

for His elect
The term "elect" comes from the Greek "eklektos," meaning chosen or selected. In the New Testament, it refers to those whom God has chosen for salvation and service. This phrase underscores the special relationship between God and His people, highlighting the assurance that God will act on behalf of those He has called. It reflects the doctrine of divine election, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace.

who cry out to Him
The Greek verb "boáō" is used here, meaning to call out or shout. This phrase captures the intensity and persistence of the prayers of the faithful. It reflects the biblical theme of persistent prayer, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow earlier in Luke 18. It encourages believers to maintain a fervent prayer life, trusting that God hears and responds to their cries.

day and night
This phrase indicates continual and unceasing prayer. It reflects the Jewish practice of praying at set times throughout the day and night, as well as the broader biblical principle of praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in prayer and the assurance that God is always attentive to the needs of His people.

Will He continue to defer their help?
The Greek word for "defer" is "makrothumeō," which means to be patient or to delay. This rhetorical question implies that God will not indefinitely postpone His response. It reassures believers that God's timing, though sometimes mysterious, is perfect and that He will act decisively at the right moment. This phrase encourages trust in God's wisdom and timing, affirming that He will not abandon His people in their time of need.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) And shall not God avenge his own elect?--There is at first something which jars on us in this choice of an extreme instance of human unrighteousness as a parable from which we are to learn the nature and the power of prayer. It is not as it was with the Unjust Steward, for there, according to the true interpretation of the parable, the unrighteous man stood for those who were relatively, at least, themselves unrighteous. It is a partial explanation that our Lord presses home upon the disciples an a fortiori argument. If reiterated entreaties prevail with men, whose character and wills are set against them, how much more with God, in whom character and will anticipate the prayer? Even so, however, we have the difficulty that the idea of prayer as prevailing, at last, through manifold repetitions, seems at variance with the teaching that condemns vain repetitions, on the ground that our Father knows our necessities before we ask Him. (See Note on Matthew 6:7.) May we not think that here, as elsewhere, there is an intentional assumption by our Lord of a stand-point which was not His own, but that of those whom He sought to teach? Even His disciples were thinking of God, not as their Father, who loved them, but as a far-off King, who needed to be roused to action. They called on Him in their afflictions and persecutions, and their soul fainted within them, and they became weary of their prayers. Might not the parable be meant (1) to teach such as these that from their own point of view their wisdom was to persevere in prayer, and (2) to lead them to reconsider the ground from which they had started? And the one result would in such a case lead on almost necessarily to the other. Prayer hag a marvellous self-purifying power, and the imperfect thoughts of God in which it may have had its beginning become clearer as it continues. It is one of the ever-recurring paradoxes of the spiritual life, that when we are most importunate we feel most strongly how little importunity is needed.

Avenge his own elect.--Literally, work out His vengeance for, the Greek noun having the article. The "vengeance" is not, however, that of retaliation such as human passions seek for, but primarily the "vindication" of God's elect, the assertion of their rights, and includes retribution upon others only so far as it is involved in this. (Comp. the use of the word in Romans 12:19; 2Corinthians 7:11; Hebrews 10:30.) This is the first occurrence of the word "elect" in St. Luke's Gospel, but it begins to be prominent about this time in our Lord's teaching. (See Notes on Matthew 20:16; Matthew 24:22.) The "elect" are the disciples who being "called" obey the "call" (Romans 8:30). The further question, What leads them to obey? is not here in view. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? The Master tells us that God permits suffering among his servants, long after they have begun to pray for deliverance. But we are counselled here to cry day and night unto him, and, though there be no signor reply, our prayers shall be treasured up before him, and in his own good time they will be answered. Though he bear long with them. With whom does God bear long? With the wrong-doers, whose works and words oppress and make life heavy and grievous to the servants of God; with these who have no claim to consideration will God bear long. And this announcement gives us some clue to the meaning of the delay we often experience before we get an answer to many of our prayers. The prayer is heard, but God, in the exercise of mercy and forbearance, has dealings with the oppressors. It were easy for the Almighty to grant an immediate answer, but only at the cost often of visiting some of the oppressors with immediate punishment, and this is not his way of working. God bears long before his judgments swift and terrible are sent forth. This has ever been his way of working with individuals as with nations. Was it not thus, for instance, that he acted towards Egypt and her Pharaohs during the long period of the bitter Hebrew bondage? We who would he God's servants must be content to wait God's time, and, while waiting, patiently go on pleading, sure that in the end "God will avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

{Will} not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

bring about
ποιήσῃ (poiēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

justice for
ἐκδίκησιν (ekdikēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1557: (a) a defense, avenging, vindication, vengeance, (b) full (complete) punishment. From ekdikeo; vindication, retribution.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

elect
ἐκλεκτῶν (eklektōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cry out
βοώντων (boōntōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 994: To shout, call aloud, proclaim. Apparently a prolonged form of a primary verb; to halloo, i.e. Shout.

to Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

day
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

night?
νυκτός (nyktos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.

Will He continue to defer
μακροθυμεῖ (makrothymei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3114: From the same as makrothumos; to be long-spirited, i.e. forbearing or patient.

their help?
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

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NT Gospels: Luke 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones who (Luke Lu Lk)