What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is the Parable of the Persistent Widow?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Luke 18:1
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
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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