New Testament

Luke 18:5

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a judge is expressing his frustration with a persistent widow who keeps coming to him for justice.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

But this widow keeps bothering me. I'm going to give her justice, or she'll wear me out with her constant visits.'"

KJVKing James Version

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a judge is expressing his frustration with a persistent widow who keeps coming to him for justice. Despite his initial reluctance to help her, he decides to grant her request simply to stop her from bothering him. This story illustrates the power of perseverance in seeking justice. The widow's determination serves as a reminder that even those in positions of authority can be moved by relentless pursuit. The judge, who is indifferent to justice and the needs of others, ultimately acts out of self-interest rather than compassion. This parable emphasizes that God, unlike the unjust judge, is always attentive to our needs and will respond to our prayers. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their requests to God, trusting that He hears them and will act in His perfect timing.

How to apply Luke 18:5 to your life

This verse encourages us to be persistent in our prayers and requests, reminding us that God values our determination. Just as the widow did not give up, we should approach God with our needs, trusting that He will respond. Our faithfulness in prayer can lead to divine intervention in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 18:5 mean?

Luke 18:5 illustrates a judge who grants justice to a persistent widow to avoid her constant bothering. It highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking justice and suggests that relentless pursuit can lead to results, even from those who may not initially care.

What is the meaning of 'troubleth me' in Luke 18:5?

In Luke 18:5, 'troubleth me' refers to the widow's persistent requests that annoy the judge. It emphasizes how her continual appeals wear him down, leading him to grant her justice out of frustration rather than compassion.

How does Luke 18:5 relate to prayer?

Luke 18:5 encourages believers to be persistent in their prayers, just like the widow. It reassures that God listens to our requests and will respond, contrasting His attentiveness with the judge's indifference.

What themes are present in Luke 18:5?

Key themes in Luke 18:5 include perseverance, justice, faith, and the importance of prayer. It highlights how determination can lead to justice and emphasizes God's responsiveness compared to human indifference.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.