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Lucas 18
La Palabra (Hispanoamérica)

Parábola de la viuda y el juez

18 Jesús les contó una parábola para enseñarles que debían orar en cualquier circunstancia, sin jamás desanimarse. Les dijo:

2 — Había una vez en cierta ciudad un juez que no temía a Dios ni respetaba a persona alguna. 3 Vivía también en la misma ciudad una viuda, que acudió al juez, rogándole: “Hazme justicia frente a mi adversario”. 4 Durante mucho tiempo, el juez no quiso hacerle caso, pero al fin pensó: “Aunque no temo a Dios ni tengo respeto a nadie, 5 voy a hacer justicia a esta viuda para evitar que me siga importunando. Así me dejará en paz de una vez”.

6 El Señor añadió:

— Ya han oído ustedes lo que dijo aquel mal juez. 7 Pues bien, ¿no hará Dios justicia a sus elegidos, que claman a él día y noche? ¿Creen que los hará esperar? 8 Les digo que les hará justicia en seguida. Pero cuando venga el Hijo del hombre, ¿aún encontrará fe en este mundo?

Parábola del fariseo y el recaudador de impuestos

9 A unos que alardeaban de su propia rectitud y despreciaban a todos los demás, Jesús les contó esta parábola:

10 — En cierta ocasión, dos hombres fueron al Templo a orar. Uno de ellos era un fariseo, y el otro un recaudador de impuestos. 11 El fariseo, plantado en primera fila, oraba en su interior de esta manera: “¡Oh Dios! Te doy gracias porque yo no soy como los demás: ladrones, malvados y adúlteros. Tampoco soy como ese recaudador de impuestos. 12 Ayuno dos veces por semana y pago al Templo la décima parte de todas mis ganancias”. 13 En cambio, el recaudador de impuestos, que se mantenía a distancia, ni siquiera se atrevía a levantar la vista del suelo, sino que se golpeaba el pecho y decía: “¡Oh Dios! Ten compasión de mí, que soy pecador”. 14 Les digo que este recaudador de impuestos volvió a casa con sus pecados perdonados; el fariseo, en cambio, no. Porque Dios humillará a quien se ensalce a sí mismo; pero ensalzará a quien se humille a sí mismo.

Jesús bendice a unos niños (Mt 19,13-15; Mc 10,13-16)

15 Llevaron unos niños a Jesús para que los bendijese. Los discípulos, al verlo, reñían a quienes los llevaban; 16 pero Jesús, llamando a los niños, dijo:

— Dejen que los niños vengan a mí y no se lo impidan, porque el reino de Dios es para los que son como ellos. 17 Les aseguro que el que no reciba el reino de Dios como un niño, no entrará en él.

Un rico quiere seguir a Jesús (Mt 19,16-30; Mc 10,17-31)

18 Uno de los jefes de los judíos preguntó a Jesús:

— Maestro bueno, ¿qué he de hacer para alcanzar la vida eterna?

19 Jesús le dijo:

— ¿Por qué me llamas bueno? Nadie es bueno, sino solamente Dios. 20 Ya sabes los mandamientos: No cometas adulterio, no mates, no robes, no des falso testimonio, honra a tu padre y a tu madre. 21 El dignatario respondió:

— Todo eso lo he guardado desde mi adolescencia.

22 Al escuchar estas palabras, Jesús le dijo:

— Aún te falta algo: vende todo lo que posees y reparte el producto entre los pobres. Así te harás un tesoro en el cielo. Luego, vuelve aquí y sígueme.

23 Cuando el hombre oyó esto, se entristeció mucho, porque era muy rico. 24 Jesús, viéndolo tan triste, dijo:

— ¡Qué difícil les va a ser a los ricos entrar en el reino de Dios! 25 Es más fácil para un camello pasar por el ojo de una aguja que para un rico entrar en el reino de Dios.

26 Los que estaban escuchando preguntaron:

— Pues, en ese caso, ¿quién podrá salvarse?

27 Jesús contestó:

— Lo que es imposible para los hombres, es posible para Dios.

28 Pedro le dijo entonces:

— Tú sabes que nosotros hemos dejado nuestras cosas para seguirte.

29 Jesús les dijo:

— Les aseguro que todo aquel que haya dejado casa, mujer, hermanos, padres o hijos por causa del reino de Dios, 30 recibirá mucho más en este mundo, y en el mundo venidero recibirá la vida eterna.

Jesús anuncia por tercera vez su muerte y su resurrección (Mt 20,17-19; Mc 10,32-34)

31 Jesús, tomando aparte a los Doce, les dijo:

— Ya ven que estamos subiendo a Jerusalén, donde ha de cumplirse todo lo que escribieron los profetas acerca del Hijo del hombre. 32 Allí será entregado en manos de extranjeros que se burlarán de él, lo insultarán, lo escupirán, 33 lo golpearán y le darán muerte. Pero al tercer día resucitará.

34 Los apóstoles no comprendían nada. No podían entender lo que Jesús les decía, porque el sentido de sus palabras era un misterio para ellos.

Curación del ciego de Jericó (Mt 20,29-34; Mc 10,46-52)

35 Jesús iba acercándose a Jericó. Y un ciego que estaba sentado junto al camino pidiendo limosna, 36 al oír el alboroto de la gente que pasaba, preguntó qué era aquello. 37 Le contestaron:

— Es que está pasando por aquí Jesús de Nazaret.

38 Entonces el ciego se puso a gritar:

— ¡Jesús, hijo de David, ten compasión de mí!

39 Los que iban delante le mandaban que callara, pero él gritaba cada vez más:

— ¡Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí!

40 Jesús, entonces, se detuvo y mandó que se lo trajeran. Cuando ya lo tenía cerca, le preguntó:

41 — ¿Qué quieres que haga por ti?

El ciego contestó:

— Señor, que vuelva a ver.

42 Jesús le dijo:

— Recobra la vista. Tu fe te ha salvado.

43 En el mismo instante, el ciego recobró la vista y, dando gloria a Dios, se unió a los que seguían a Jesús. Y todo el pueblo que presenció lo sucedido alabó también a Dios.

Listen to Lucas 18
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Lucas 18
Nueva Versión Internacional

Parábola de la viuda insistente

18 Jesús contó a sus discípulos una parábola para mostrarles que debían orar siempre, sin desanimarse. 2 Les dijo: «Había en cierto pueblo un juez que no tenía temor de Dios ni consideración de nadie. 3 En el mismo pueblo había una viuda que insistía en pedirle: “Hágame usted justicia contra mi adversario”. 4 Durante algún tiempo él se negó, pero por fin concluyó: “Aunque no temo a Dios ni tengo consideración de nadie, 5 como esta viuda no deja de molestarme, voy a tener que hacerle justicia, no sea que con sus visitas me haga la vida imposible”».

6 Continuó el Señor: «Tengan en cuenta lo que dijo el juez injusto. 7 ¿Acaso Dios no hará justicia a sus escogidos, que claman a él día y noche? ¿Se tardará mucho en responderles? 8 Les digo que sí les hará justicia y sin demora. No obstante, cuando venga el Hijo del hombre, ¿encontrará fe en la tierra?».

Parábola del fariseo y del recaudador de impuestos

9 A algunos que, confiando en sí mismos, se creían justos y que despreciaban a los demás, Jesús les contó esta parábola: 10 «Dos hombres subieron al Templo a orar; uno era fariseo, y el otro, recaudador de impuestos. 11 El fariseo, puesto en pie y a solas, oraba: “Oh Dios, te doy gracias porque no soy como otros hombres —ladrones, malhechores, adúlteros— ni como ese recaudador de impuestos. 12 Ayuno dos veces a la semana y doy la décima parte de todo lo que recibo”. 13 En cambio, el recaudador de impuestos, que se había quedado a cierta distancia, ni siquiera se atrevía a alzar la vista al cielo, sino que se golpeaba el pecho y decía: “¡Oh Dios, ten compasión de mí, que soy pecador!”.

14 »Les digo que este y no aquel volvió a su casa justificado ante Dios. Pues todo el que a sí mismo se enaltece será humillado y el que se humilla será enaltecido».

Jesús y los niños(A)

15 También le llevaban niños pequeños a Jesús para que los tocara. Al ver esto, los discípulos reprendían a quienes los llevaban. 16 Pero Jesús llamó a los niños y dijo: «Dejen que los niños vengan a mí; no se lo impidan, porque el reino de Dios es de quienes son como ellos. 17 Les aseguro que el que no reciba el reino de Dios como un niño, de ninguna manera entrará en él».

El dirigente rico(B)

18 Cierto dirigente preguntó a Jesús:

—Maestro bueno, ¿qué debo hacer para heredar la vida eterna?

19 —¿Por qué me llamas bueno? —respondió Jesús—. Nadie es bueno sino solo Dios. 20 Ya sabes los mandamientos: “No cometas adulterio, no mates, no robes, no presentes falso testimonio, honra a tu padre y a tu madre”.[a]

21 —Todo eso lo he cumplido desde que era joven —dijo el hombre.

22 Al oír esto, Jesús añadió:

—Todavía te falta una cosa: vende todo lo que tienes y repártelo entre los pobres, y tendrás tesoro en el cielo. Luego ven y sígueme.

23 Cuando el hombre oyó esto, se entristeció mucho, pues era muy rico. 24 Al verlo tan afligido, Jesús comentó:

—¡Qué difícil es para los ricos entrar en el reino de Dios! 25 En realidad, le resulta más fácil a un camello pasar por el ojo de una aguja que a un rico entrar en el reino de Dios.

26 Los que lo oyeron preguntaron:

—Entonces, ¿quién podrá salvarse?

27 —Lo que es imposible para los hombres es posible para Dios —aclaró Jesús.

28 —Mira —le dijo Pedro—, nosotros hemos dejado todo lo que teníamos para seguirte.

29 —Les aseguro —respondió Jesús— que todo el que por causa del reino de Dios haya dejado casa, esposa, hermanos, padres o hijos 30 recibirá mucho más en este tiempo; y en la edad venidera, la vida eterna.

Jesús predice de nuevo su muerte(C)

31 Entonces Jesús tomó aparte a los doce y dijo: «Ahora vamos subiendo a Jerusalén, donde se cumplirá todo lo que escribieron los profetas acerca del Hijo del hombre. 32 En efecto, será entregado a los gentiles. Se burlarán de él, lo insultarán, le escupirán; 33 y, después de azotarlo, lo matarán. Pero al tercer día resucitará».

34 Los discípulos no entendieron nada de esto. Les era incomprensible, pues no captaban el sentido de lo que hablaba.

Un mendigo ciego recibe la vista(D)

35 Sucedió que al acercarse Jesús a Jericó, estaba un ciego sentado junto al camino pidiendo limosna. 36 Cuando oyó a la multitud que pasaba, preguntó qué acontecía.

37 —Jesús de Nazaret está pasando por aquí —respondieron.

38 —¡Jesús, Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí! —gritó el ciego.

39 Los que iban delante lo reprendían para que se callara, pero él se puso a gritar aún más fuerte:

—¡Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí!

40 Jesús se detuvo y mandó que se lo trajeran. Cuando el ciego se acercó, preguntó Jesús:

41 —¿Qué quieres que haga por ti?

Y él dijo:

—Señor, quiero ver.

42 —¡Recibe la vista! —le dijo Jesús—, tu fe te ha sanado.

43 Al instante recobró la vista. Entonces, glorificando a Dios, comenzó a seguir a Jesús y todos los que lo vieron daban alabanza a Dios.

Footnotes

  1. 18:20 Éx 20:12-16; Dt 5:16-20.
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Lucas 18
Dios Habla Hoy

La parábola de la viuda y el juez

18 Jesús les contó una parábola para enseñarles que debían orar siempre, sin desanimarse. 2 Les dijo: «Había en un pueblo un juez que ni temía a Dios ni respetaba a los hombres. 3 En el mismo pueblo había también una viuda que tenía un pleito y que fue al juez a pedirle justicia contra su adversario. 4 Durante mucho tiempo el juez no quiso atenderla, pero después pensó: “Aunque ni temo a Dios ni respeto a los hombres, 5 sin embargo, como esta viuda no deja de molestarme, la voy a defender, para que no siga viniendo y acabe con mi paciencia.”»

6 Y el Señor añadió: «Esto es lo que dijo el juez malo. 7 Pues bien, ¿acaso Dios no defenderá también a sus escogidos, que claman a él día y noche? ¿Los hará esperar? 8 Les digo que los defenderá sin demora. Pero cuando el Hijo del hombre venga, ¿encontrará todavía fe en la tierra?»

La parábola del fariseo y el cobrador de impuestos

9 Jesús contó esta otra parábola para algunos que, seguros de sí mismos por considerarse justos, despreciaban a los demás: 10 «Dos hombres fueron al templo a orar: el uno era fariseo, y el otro era uno de esos que cobran impuestos para Roma. 11 El fariseo, de pie, oraba así: “Oh Dios, te doy gracias porque no soy como los demás, que son ladrones, malvados y adúlteros, ni como ese cobrador de impuestos. 12 Yo ayuno dos veces a la semana y te doy la décima parte de todo lo que gano.” 13 Pero el cobrador de impuestos se quedó a cierta distancia, y ni siquiera se atrevía a levantar los ojos al cielo, sino que se golpeaba el pecho y decía: “¡Oh Dios, ten compasión de mí, que soy pecador!” 14 Les digo que este cobrador de impuestos volvió a su casa ya justo, pero el fariseo no. Porque el que a sí mismo se engrandece, será humillado; y el que se humilla, será engrandecido.»

Jesús bendice a los niños(A)

15 También le llevaban niñitos a Jesús, para que los tocara; pero cuando los discípulos lo vieron, comenzaron a reprender a quienes los llevaban. 16 Entonces Jesús los llamó y dijo:

—Dejen que los niños vengan a mí, y no se lo impidan, porque el reino de Dios es de quienes son como ellos. 17 Les aseguro que el que no acepte el reino de Dios como un niño, no entrará en él.

Un hombre rico habla con Jesús(B)

18 Uno de los jefes le preguntó a Jesús:

—Maestro bueno, ¿qué debo hacer para alcanzar la vida eterna?

19 Jesús le contestó:

—¿Por qué me llamas bueno? Bueno solamente hay uno: Dios. 20 Ya sabes los mandamientos: “No cometas adulterio, no mates, no robes, no digas mentiras en perjuicio de nadie, y honra a tu padre y a tu madre.”

21 El hombre le dijo:

—Todo eso lo he cumplido desde joven.

22 Al oír esto, Jesús le contestó:

—Todavía te falta una cosa: vende todo lo que tienes y dáselo a los pobres. Así tendrás riqueza en el cielo. Luego ven y sígueme.

23 Pero cuando el hombre oyó esto, se puso muy triste, porque era muy rico. 24 Al verlo así, Jesús dijo:

—¡Qué difícil es para los ricos entrar en el reino de Dios! 25 Es más fácil para un camello pasar por el ojo de una aguja, que para un rico entrar en el reino de Dios.

26 Los que lo oyeron preguntaron:

—¿Y quién podrá salvarse?

27 Jesús les contestó:

—Lo que es imposible para los hombres es posible para Dios.

28 Pedro le dijo:

—Señor, nosotros hemos dejado todas nuestras cosas y te hemos seguido.

29 Él les respondió:

—Les aseguro que cualquiera que por causa del reino de Dios haya dejado casa, o esposa, o hermanos, o padres, o hijos, 30 recibirá mucho más en la vida presente, y en la vida venidera recibirá la vida eterna.

Jesús anuncia por tercera vez su muerte(C)

31 Jesús llamó aparte a los doce discípulos, y les dijo: «Ahora vamos a Jerusalén, donde se cumplirá todo lo que los profetas escribieron acerca del Hijo del hombre. 32 Pues lo van a entregar a los extranjeros, y se burlarán de él, lo insultarán y lo escupirán. 33 Lo golpearán y lo matarán; pero al tercer día resucitará.»

34 Ellos no entendieron nada de esto, ni sabían de qué les hablaba, pues eran cosas que no podían comprender.

Jesús sana a un ciego en Jericó(D)

35 Cuando ya se encontraba Jesús cerca de Jericó, un ciego que estaba sentado junto al camino pidiendo limosna, 36 al oír que pasaba mucha gente, preguntó qué sucedía. 37 Le dijeron que Jesús de Nazaret pasaba por allí, 38 y él gritó:

—¡Jesús, Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí!

39 Los que iban delante lo reprendían para que se callara, pero él gritaba más todavía:

—¡Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí!

40 Jesús se detuvo y mandó que se lo trajeran. Cuando lo tuvo cerca, le preguntó:

41 —¿Qué quieres que haga por ti?

El ciego contestó:

—Señor, quiero recobrar la vista.

42 Jesús le dijo:

—¡Recóbrala! Por tu fe has sido sanado.

43 En aquel mismo momento el ciego recobró la vista, y siguió a Jesús alabando a Dios. Y toda la gente que vio esto, también alababa a Dios.

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Luke 18
New English Translation

Prayer and the Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 Then[a] Jesus[b] told them a parable to show them they should always[c] pray and not lose heart.[d] 2 He said,[e] “In a certain city[f] there was a judge[g] who neither feared God nor respected people.[h] 3 There was also a widow[i] in that city[j] who kept coming[k] to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For[l] a while he refused, but later on[m] he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people,[n] 5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out[o] by her unending pleas.’”[p] 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says![q] 7 Won’t[r] God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out[s] to him day and night?[t] Will he delay[u] long to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily.[v] Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith[w] on earth?”

The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

9 Jesus[x] also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down[y] on everyone else. 10 “Two men went up[z] to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee[aa] and the other a tax collector.[ab] 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this:[ac] ‘God, I thank[ad] you that I am not like other people:[ae] extortionists,[af] unrighteous people,[ag] adulterers—or even like this tax collector.[ah] 12 I fast twice[ai] a week; I give a tenth[aj] of everything I get.’ 13 The tax collector, however, stood[ak] far off and would not even look up[al] to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful[am] to me, sinner that I am!’[an] 14 I tell you that this man went down to his home justified[ao] rather than the Pharisee.[ap] For everyone who exalts[aq] himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus and Little Children

15 Now people[ar] were even bringing their babies[as] to him for him to touch.[at] But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them.[au] 16 But Jesus called for the children,[av] saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God[aw] belongs to such as these.[ax] 17 I tell you the truth,[ay] whoever does not receive[az] the kingdom of God like a child[ba] will never[bb] enter it.”

The Wealthy Ruler

18 Now[bc] a certain leader[bd] asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”[be] 19 Jesus[bf] said to him, “Why do you call me good?[bg] No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”[bh] 21 The man[bi] replied, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed[bj] all these laws[bk] since my youth.”[bl] 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have[bm] and give the money[bn] to the poor,[bo] and you will have treasure[bp] in heaven. Then[bq] come, follow me.” 23 But when the man[br] heard this he became very sad,[bs] for he was extremely wealthy. 24 When Jesus noticed this,[bt] he said, “How hard[bu] it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God![bv] 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle[bw] than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this said, “Then[bx] who can be saved?”[by] 27 He replied, “What is impossible[bz] for mere humans[ca] is possible for God.” 28 And Peter said, “Look, we have left everything we own[cb] to follow you! 29 Then[cc] Jesus[cd] said to them, “I tell you the truth,[ce] there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers[cf] or parents or children for the sake of God’s kingdom 30 who will not receive many times more[cg] in this age[ch]—and in the age to come, eternal life.”[ci]

Another Prediction of Jesus’ Passion

31 Then[cj] Jesus[ck] took the twelve aside and said to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.[cl] 32 For he will be handed over[cm] to the Gentiles; he will be mocked,[cn] mistreated,[co] and spat on.[cp] 33 They will flog him severely[cq] and kill him. Yet[cr] on the third day he will rise again.” 34 But[cs] the twelve[ct] understood none of these things. This[cu] saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp[cv] what Jesus meant.[cw]

Healing a Blind Man

35 As[cx] Jesus[cy] approached[cz] Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was going on. 37 They[da] told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is passing by.” 38 So[db] he called out,[dc] “Jesus, Son of David,[dd] have mercy[de] on me!” 39 And those who were in front[df] scolded[dg] him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted[dh] even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So[di] Jesus stopped and ordered the beggar[dj] to be brought to him. When the man[dk] came near, Jesus[dl] asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied,[dm] “Lord, let me see again.”[dn] 42 Jesus[do] said to him, “Receive[dp] your sight; your faith has healed you.”[dq] 43 And immediately he regained[dr] his sight and followed Jesus,[ds] praising[dt] God. When[du] all the people saw it, they too[dv] gave praise to God.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 18:1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  2. Luke 18:1 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  3. Luke 18:1 tn Or “should pray at all times” (L&N 67.88).
  4. Luke 18:1 sn This is one of the few parables that comes with an explanation at the start:…they should always pray and not lose heart. It is part of Luke’s goal in encouraging Theophilus (1:4).
  5. Luke 18:2 tn Grk “lose heart, saying.” This is a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text, but a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the pronominal subject “He.”
  6. Luke 18:2 tn Or “town.”
  7. Luke 18:2 sn The judge here is apparently portrayed as a civil judge who often handled financial cases.
  8. Luke 18:2 tn Grk “man,” but the singular ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used as a generic in comparison to God.
  9. Luke 18:3 sn This widow was not necessarily old, since many people lived only into their thirties in the 1st century.
  10. Luke 18:3 tn Or “town.”
  11. Luke 18:3 tn This is an iterative imperfect; the widow did this on numerous occasions.
  12. Luke 18:4 tn Grk “And for.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  13. Luke 18:4 tn Grk “after these things.”
  14. Luke 18:4 tn Grk “man,” but the singular ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used as a generic in comparison to God.
  15. Luke 18:5 tn The term ὑπωπιάζω (hupōpiazō) in this context means “to wear someone out by continual annoying” (L&N 25.245).
  16. Luke 18:5 tn Grk “by her continual coming,” but the point of annoyance to the judge is her constant pleas for justice (v. 3).
  17. Luke 18:6 sn Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! The point of the parable is that the judge’s lack of compassion was overcome by the widow’s persistence.
  18. Luke 18:7 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
  19. Luke 18:7 sn The prayers have to do with the righteous who cry out to him to receive justice. The context assumes the righteous are persecuted.
  20. Luke 18:7 tn The emphatic particles in this sentence indicate that God will indeed give justice to the righteous.
  21. Luke 18:7 sn The issue of delay has produced a whole host of views for this verse. (1) Does this assume provision to endure in the meantime? Or (2) does it mean God restricts the level of persecution until he comes? Either view is possible.
  22. Luke 18:8 tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.
  23. Luke 18:8 sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.
  24. Luke 18:9 tn Grk “He”; the referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  25. Luke 18:9 tn Grk “and despised.” This is a second parable with an explanatory introduction.
  26. Luke 18:10 sn The temple is on a hill in Jerusalem, so one would go up to enter its precincts.
  27. Luke 18:10 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
  28. Luke 18:10 sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12.
  29. Luke 18:11 tn Or “stood by himself and prayed like this.” The prepositional phrase πρὸς ἑαυτόν (pros eauton, “to/about himself”) could go with either the aorist participle σταθείς (statheis, “stood”) or with the imperfect verb προσηύχετο (prosēucheto, “he prayed”). If taken with the participle, then the meaning would seem at first glance to be: “stood ‘by himself’,” or “stood ‘alone’.” Now it is true that πρός can mean “by” or “with” when used with intransitive verbs such as ἵστημι (histēmi, “I stand”; cf. BDAG 874 s.v. πρός 2.a), but πρὸς ἑαυτόν together never means “by himself” or “alone” in biblical Greek. On the other hand, if πρὸς ἑαυτόν is taken with the verb, then two different nuances emerge, both of which highlight in different ways the principal point Jesus seems to be making about the arrogance of this religious leader: (1) “prayed to himself,” but not necessarily silently, or (2) “prayed about himself,” with the connotation that he prayed out loud, for all to hear. Since his prayer is really a review of his moral résumé, directed both at advertising his own righteousness and exposing the perversion of the tax collector, whom he actually mentions in his prayer, the latter option seems preferable. If this is the case, then the Pharisee’s mention of God is really nothing more than a formality.
  30. Luke 18:11 sn The Pharisee’s prayer started out as a thanksgiving psalm to God, but the praise ended up not being about God.
  31. Luke 18:11 tn Here the plural Greek term ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) is used as a generic and can refer to both men and women (NASB, NRSV, “people”; NLT, “everyone else”; NAB, “the rest of humanity”).
  32. Luke 18:11 tn Or “swindlers” (BDAG 134 s.v. ἅρπαξ 2); see also Isa 10:2; Josephus, J. W. 6.3.4 [6.203].
  33. Luke 18:11 sn A general category for “sinners” (1 Cor 6:9; Lev 19:3).
  34. Luke 18:11 sn Note what the Pharisee assumes about the righteousness of this tax collector by grouping him with extortionists, unrighteous people, and adulterers.
  35. Luke 18:12 sn The law only required fasting on the Day of Atonement. Such voluntary fasting as this practiced twice a week by the Pharisee normally took place on Monday and Thursday.
  36. Luke 18:12 tn Or “I tithe.”
  37. Luke 18:13 tn Grk “standing”; the Greek participle has been translated as a finite verb.
  38. Luke 18:13 tn Grk “even lift up his eyes” (an idiom).
  39. Luke 18:13 tn The prayer is a humble call for forgiveness. The term for mercy (ἱλάσκομαι, hilaskomai) is associated with the concept of a request for atonement (BDAG 473-74 s.v. 1; Pss 51:1, 3; 25:11; 34:6, 18).
  40. Luke 18:13 tn Grk “the sinner.” The tax collector views himself not just as any sinner but as the worst of all sinners. See ExSyn 222-23.
  41. Luke 18:14 sn The prayer that was heard and honored was the one given with humility; in a surprising reversal it was the tax collector who went down to his home justified.
  42. Luke 18:14 tn Grk “the other”; the referent (the Pharisee, v. 10) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  43. Luke 18:14 sn Everyone who exalts himself. See Luke 14:11. Jesus often called for humility and condemned those who sought honor.
  44. Luke 18:15 tn Grk “they.”
  45. Luke 18:15 tn The term βρέφος (brephos) here can refer to babies or to toddlers (2:12, 16; Acts 7:19; 2 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 2:2).
  46. Luke 18:15 tn Grk “so that he would touch them.” Here the touch is connected with (or conveys) a blessing (cf. Mark 10:16; also BDAG 126 s.v. ἅπτω 2.c).
  47. Luke 18:15 tn Grk “the disciples began to scold them.” In the translation the referent has been specified as “those who brought them,” since otherwise the statement could be understood to mean that the disciples began scolding the children rather than their parents who brought them.
  48. Luke 18:16 tn Grk “summoned them”; the referent (the children) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  49. Luke 18:16 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
  50. Luke 18:16 sn The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Children are a picture of those whose simple trust illustrates what faith is all about. The remark illustrates how everyone is important to God, even those whom others regard as insignificant.
  51. Luke 18:17 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”
  52. Luke 18:17 sn On receive see John 1:12.
  53. Luke 18:17 sn The point of the comparison receive the kingdom of God like a child has more to do with a child’s trusting spirit and willingness to be dependent and receive from others than any inherent humility the child might possess.
  54. Luke 18:17 tn The negation in Greek used here (οὐ μή, ou mē) is very strong.
  55. Luke 18:18 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
  56. Luke 18:18 tn Grk “a certain ruler.” BDAG 140 s.v. ἄρχων 2.a takes this to be a member of the Sanhedrin, but Bock understands this to be “an influential wealthy man or civic leader who may have been known for his piety” (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT] 2:1476).sn Only Luke states this man is a leader (cf. the parallels in Matt 19:16-22 and Mark 10:17-22, where the questioner is described only as “someone”). He is probably a civic leader of some kind, a leader in the society.
  57. Luke 18:18 sn The rich man wanted to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, but Jesus had just finished teaching that eternal life was not earned but simply received (18:17). See the similar question about inheriting eternal life in Luke 10:25.
  58. Luke 18:19 tn Grk “And Jesus.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  59. Luke 18:19 sn Jesus’ response, Why do you call me good?, was designed to cause the ruler to stop and think for a moment about who Jesus really was. The following statement No one is good except God alone seems to point the man in the direction of Jesus’ essential nature and the demands which logically follow on the man for having said it.
  60. Luke 18:20 sn A quotation from Exod 20:12-16 and Deut 5:16-20. Jesus cited the parts of the ten commandments that relate to how others should be treated.
  61. Luke 18:21 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the ruler mentioned in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  62. Luke 18:21 tn Grk “kept.” The implication of this verb is that the man has obeyed the commandments without fail throughout his life, so the adverb “wholeheartedly” has been added to the translation to bring out this nuance.
  63. Luke 18:21 tn Grk “these things.” The referent of the pronoun (the laws mentioned by Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.sn While the rich man was probably being sincere when he insisted I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws, he had confined his righteousness to external obedience. The rich man’s response to Jesus’ command to give away all he had revealed that internally he loved money more than God.
  64. Luke 18:21 sn Since my youth. Judaism regarded the age of thirteen as the age when a man would have become responsible to live by God’s commands.
  65. Luke 18:22 sn See Luke 14:33.
  66. Luke 18:22 tn The words “the money” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
  67. Luke 18:22 sn See Luke 1:50-53; 6:20-23; 14:12-14.
  68. Luke 18:22 sn The call for sacrifice comes with a promise of eternal reward:…you will have treasure in heaven. Jesus’ call is a test to see how responsive the man is to God’s direction through him. Will he walk the path God’s agent calls him to walk? For a rich person who got it right, see Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10.
  69. Luke 18:22 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the conversation.
  70. Luke 18:23 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the man) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  71. Luke 18:23 tn Or “very distressed” (L&N 25.277).
  72. Luke 18:24 tc ‡ The phrase περίλυπον γενόμενον (perilupon genomenon, “[When Jesus saw him] becoming sad”) is found in the majority of mss (A [D] W Θ Ψ 078 ƒ13 33vid M latt sy), and it is not unknown in Lukan style to repeat a word or phrase in adjacent passages (TCGNT 143). However, the phrase is lacking in some significant mss (א B L ƒ1 579 1241 2542 co). The shorter reading is nevertheless difficult to explain if it is not autographic: It is possible that these witnesses omitted this phrase out of perceived redundancy from the preceding verse, although intentional omissions, especially by several and varied witnesses, are generally unlikely. NA28 places the words in brackets, indicating doubts as to their authenticity.tn Grk “him.”
  73. Luke 18:24 sn For the rich it is hard for wealth not to be the point of focus, as the contrast in vv. 28-30 will show, and for rich people to trust God. Wealth was not an automatic sign of blessing as far as Jesus was concerned.
  74. Luke 18:24 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. See the note on this phrase in v. 16.
  75. Luke 18:25 sn The eye of a needle refers to a sewing needle, one of the smallest items one might deal with on a regular basis, in contrast to the biggest animal of the region. (Although the story of a small gate in Jerusalem known as “The Needle’s Eye” has been widely circulated and may go back as far as the middle ages, there is no evidence that such a gate ever existed.) Jesus is saying rhetorically that this is impossible, unless God (v. 27) intervenes.
  76. Luke 18:26 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of thought.
  77. Luke 18:26 sn The assumption is that the rich are blessed, so if they risk exclusion, who is left to be saved?
  78. Luke 18:27 sn The term impossible is in the emphatic position in the Greek text. God makes the impossible possible.
  79. Luke 18:27 tn The plural Greek term ἄνθρωποις (anthrōpois) is used here in a generic sense, referring to both men and women (cf. NASB 1995 update, “people”). Because of the contrast here between mere mortals and God (“impossible for men…possible for God”) the phrase “mere humans” has been used in the translation.
  80. Luke 18:28 tn Or “left our homes,” “left our possessions”; Grk “left our own things.” The word ἴδιος (idios) can refer to one’s home (including the people and possessions in it) or to one’s property or possessions. Both options are mentioned in BDAG 467 s.v. 4.b. See also I. H. Marshall, Luke (NIGTC), 688; D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1488.
  81. Luke 18:29 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  82. Luke 18:29 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  83. Luke 18:29 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”
  84. Luke 18:29 tn The term “brothers” could be understood as generic here, referring to either male or female siblings. However, it is noteworthy that in the parallel passages in both Matt 19:29 and Mark 10:29, “sisters” are explicitly mentioned in the Greek text.
  85. Luke 18:30 sn Jesus reassures his disciples with a promise that (1) much benefit in this life (many times more) and (2) eternal life in the age to come will be given.
  86. Luke 18:30 tn Grk “this time” (καιρός, kairos), but for stylistic reasons this has been translated “this age” here.
  87. Luke 18:30 sn Note that Luke (see also Matt 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 10:25) portrays eternal life as something one receives in the age to come, unlike John, who emphasizes the possibility of receiving eternal life in the present (John 5:24).
  88. Luke 18:31 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  89. Luke 18:31 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  90. Luke 18:31 tn Or “fulfilled.” Jesus goes to Jerusalem by divine plan as the scripture records (Luke 2:39; 12:50; 22:37; Acts 13:29). See Luke 9:22, 44.
  91. Luke 18:32 sn The passive voice verb be handed over does not indicate by whom, but other passages note the Jewish leadership and betrayal (9:22, 44).
  92. Luke 18:32 sn See Luke 22:63; 23:11, 36.
  93. Luke 18:32 tn Or “and insulted.” L&N 33.390 and 88.130 note ὑβρίζω (hubrizō) can mean either “insult” or “mistreat with insolence.”
  94. Luke 18:32 sn And spat on. Later Luke does not note this detail in the passion narrative in chaps. 22-23, but see Mark 14:65; 15:19; Matt 26:67; 27:30 where Jesus’ prediction is fulfilled.
  95. Luke 18:33 tn Traditionally, “scourge” (the term means to beat severely with a whip, L&N 19.9). BDAG 620 s.v. μαστιγόω 1. states, “Of the beating (Lat. verberatio) given those condemned to death…J 19:1; cf. Mt 20:19; Mk 10:34; Lk 18:33.” Here the term has been translated “flog…severely” to distinguish it from the term φραγελλόω (phragelloō) used in Matt 27:26; Mark 15:15.
  96. Luke 18:33 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
  97. Luke 18:34 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast.
  98. Luke 18:34 tn Grk “they”; the referent (the twelve, v. 31) has been specified in the context for clarity.
  99. Luke 18:34 tn Grk “And this.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
  100. Luke 18:34 sn This failure of the Twelve to grasp what Jesus meant probably does not mean that they did not understand linguistically what Jesus said, but that they could not comprehend how this could happen to him, if he was really God’s agent. The saying being hidden probably refers to God’s sovereign timing.
  101. Luke 18:34 tn Grk “the things having been said.” The active agent, Jesus, has been specified for clarity, and “said” has been translated as “meant” to indicate that comprehension of the significance is really in view here.
  102. Luke 18:35 tn Grk “Now it happened that as.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  103. Luke 18:35 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
  104. Luke 18:35 tn The phrase is “he drew near to” (19:29; 24:28). It is also possible the term merely means “is in the vicinity of.” Also possible is a reversal in the timing of the healing and Zacchaeus events for literary reasons as the blind man “sees” where the rich man with everything did not.
  105. Luke 18:37 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. “They” could refer to bystanders or people in the crowd.
  106. Luke 18:38 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the blind man learning that Jesus was nearby.
  107. Luke 18:38 tn Grk “called out, saying.” The participle λέγων (legōn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  108. Luke 18:38 sn Jesus was more than a Nazarene to this blind person, who saw quite well that Jesus was Son of David. He understood what Luke 7:22-23 affirms. There was a tradition in Judaism that the Son of David (Solomon) had great powers of healing (Josephus, Ant. 8.2.5 [8.42-49]).
  109. Luke 18:38 sn Have mercy on me is a request for healing (cf. 17:13). It is not owed the man. He simply asks for God’s kind grace.
  110. Luke 18:39 sn That is, those who were at the front of the procession.
  111. Luke 18:39 tn Or “rebuked.” The crowd’s view was that surely Jesus would not be bothered with someone as unimportant as a blind beggar.
  112. Luke 18:39 sn Public opinion would not sway the blind man from getting Jesus’ attention. The term shouted is strong as it can be used of animal cries.
  113. Luke 18:40 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the beggar’s cries.
  114. Luke 18:40 tn Grk “ordered him”; the referent (the blind beggar, v. 35) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  115. Luke 18:40 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the beggar) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  116. Luke 18:40 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  117. Luke 18:41 tn Grk “said.”
  118. Luke 18:41 tn Grk “Lord, that I may see [again].” The phrase can be rendered as an imperative of request, “Please, give me sight.” Since the man is not noted as having been blind from birth (as the man in John 9 was) it is likely the request is to receive back the sight he once had.
  119. Luke 18:42 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  120. Luke 18:42 tn Or “Regain” (see the note on the phrase “let me see again” in the previous verse).
  121. Luke 18:42 tn Grk “has saved you,” but in a nonsoteriological sense; the man has been delivered from his disability.
  122. Luke 18:43 tn Or “received” (see the note on the phrase “let me see again” in v. 41).
  123. Luke 18:43 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  124. Luke 18:43 sn The presence of God’s work leads again to joy, with both the beggar and the people praising God (1:64; 2:20; 5:25-26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 19:37).
  125. Luke 18:43 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  126. Luke 18:43 tn The word “too” has been supplied for stylistic reasons.
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