Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 18

This parable must be interpreted with reference to the theme of the return of our Lord in chapter 17, as v.8b makes clear. The story is not intended to apply to prayer in general, as though one needed to pester God for every need until he reluctantly responds (cf. 11:5–10). The theme is that of the vindication of God’s misunderstood and suffering people. God’s people in OT days needed to “wait” on God as he worked out justice with apparent slowness . In the final days the martyrs wait for vindication (Revelation 6:9–11). Meanwhile we wrestle with the problem of evil and with issues of theodicy. Under these circumstances we should “always pray and not give up.”

The designation “unjust judge” is similar to the idiom in 16:8, “the dishonest manager.” Therefore we should probably understand the judge to be a “man of the world,” who, though crooked, prided himself on shrewd judicial decisions. The judge is typical of a local Gentile judge known throughout the Hellenistic world. Being easily accessible and having the authority to make quick decisions, he would naturally be besieged by people such as the widow of the story (v.3).

The designation “unjust judge” is similar to the idiom in 16:8, “the dishonest manager.” Therefore we should probably understand the judge to be a “man of the world,” who, though crooked, prided himself on shrewd judicial decisions. The judge is typical of a local Gentile judge known throughout the Hellenistic world. Being easily accessible and having the authority to make quick decisions, he would naturally be besieged by people such as the widow of the story (v.3).

The words “wear me out” (lit., “to give a black eye to”) probably relate to the common idiom in eastern countries, where to have one’s face blackened means to suffer shame. In this parable the reputation of the one being petitioned is at stake. Therefore, though God is not compared to a crooked judge, there is a partial basis of comparison in that God will also guard his reputation and vindicate himself.

The words “wear me out” (lit., “to give a black eye to”) probably relate to the common idiom in eastern countries, where to have one’s face blackened means to suffer shame. In this parable the reputation of the one being petitioned is at stake. Therefore, though God is not compared to a crooked judge, there is a partial basis of comparison in that God will also guard his reputation and vindicate himself.