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    In Context

    What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Luke 18:1, sits inside Luke 18. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
    — Luke 18:1 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Luke 18:7
    "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?"

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