Luke 18:1-8

New Testament for Everyone

The parables of the persistent widow and the tax-collector

18 Jesus told them a parable, about how they should always pray and not give up.

² “There was once a judge in a certain town,” he said, “who didn’t fear God, and didn’t have any respect for people. ³ There was a widow in that town, and she came to him and said, ‘Judge my case! Vindicate me against my enemy!’

⁴ “For a long time he refused. But, in the end, he said to himself, ‘It’s true that I don’t fear God, and don’t have any respect for people. ⁵ But because this widow is causing me a lot of trouble, I will put her case right and vindicate her, so that she doesn’t end up coming and giving me a black eye.’

⁶ “Well,” said the master, “did you hear what this unjust judge says? ⁷ And don’t you think that God will see justice done for his chosen ones, who shout out to him day and night? Do you suppose he is deliberately delaying? ⁸ Let me tell you, he will vindicate them very quickly. But—when the son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”