And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

LUKE 18:3KJV
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Luke 18:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:3 mean?

Luke 18:3 describes a widow in a city who repeatedly approaches a judge, asking him to give her justice against someone who is opposing her. The verse highlights her persistence and her plea for help in a situation where she feels wronged.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, the widow is a character who represents someone vulnerable and without power, since widows in that society often had little protection or support. She comes to the judge, who is known for being unjust, and asks him to “avenge” her, meaning to grant her justice or defend her rights against her adversary. This sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching about persistence in seeking justice or help, especially from someone in authority.

Where else these words appear

“adversary” Greek G476 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

“Avenge” Greek G1556 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“widow” Greek G5503 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • 1 Timothy 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.