Luke 18:3
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And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
came--kept coming. See Luk 18:5, "her continual coming." Avenge me--that is, rid me of the oppression of.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. The parable of the importunate widow, designed to teach us fervency in prayer (Luk 18:1-8). II. The parable of the Pharisee and publican, designed to teach us humility, and humiliation for sin, in prayer (Luk 18:9-14). III. Christ's favour to little children that were brought to him (Luk 18:15-17). IV. The trial of a rich man that had a mind to follow Christ, whether he loved better Christ or his riches; his coming short upon that trial; and Christ's discourse with his disciples upon that occasion (Luk 18:18-30). V. Christ's foretelling his own death and sufferings (Luk 18:31-34). VI. His restoring sight to a blind man (Luk 18:35-43). And these four passages we had before in Matthew and Mark.
Open source ↗18:3 A widow: God is concerned for widows, orphans, and foreigners—the most vulnerable members of ancient society—and has promised judgment against those who oppress them (Exod 22:22; Deut 10:18; 24:17; 27:19; Ps 68:5; Isa 1:23; 10:2; Jer 22:3; Ezek 22:7; Amos 5:10-13; Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5). • Give me justice: The woman was in the right in this dispute—she was not asking for special favors.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”
‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.
The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.
You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed.