What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow?
What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow? Jesus taught about a widow who kept asking an unjust judge for justice until he relented—encouraging believers to persist in prayer without losing heart.
Key verse: Luke 18:1 (KJV)
Jesus taught about a widow who kept asking an unjust judge for justice until he relented—encouraging believers to persist in prayer without losing heart.
Jesus taught about a widow who kept asking an unjust judge for justice until he relented—encouraging believers to persist in prayer without losing heart.
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." — Luke 18:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus told this parable 'that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.' A widow repeatedly came to an unjust judge asking for justice against her adversary. Though the judge neither feared God nor regarded man, he eventually granted her request because of her persistent pleading. Jesus drew a contrast: if even an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will a loving God 'avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him'? The parable teaches that persistent, faith-filled prayer is not nagging God but demonstrating trust that He will act in His perfect timing.
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Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Patience?
The Bible teaches that patience is a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of spiritual maturity, developed through trials and trust in God's timing.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
How Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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