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Book of Luke - Chapter 18 - Verse 1

18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Meaning

This verse from the book of Luke presents a parable where Jesus emphasizes the importance of perseverance in prayer. In this parable, a widow persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge until he finally grants her request. The message behind this story is that just as the widow continued to plead her case without giving up, so should believers persevere in prayer without becoming discouraged or losing faith. It teaches us that we should not lose heart or grow weary in presenting our petitions before God, knowing that He hears our prayers and will answer them in His perfect timing. By praying continuously and with faith, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to provide for our needs. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder for Christians to remain steadfast in prayer, knowing that God is faithful to answer their prayers according to His will.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse 'And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;', it is crucial to understand the context in which this statement was made. The parable in question focuses on the importance of persistence in prayer and the necessity of not losing heart. The word "faint" in this passage carries the connotation of growing weary or giving up in prayer. Through this parable, Jesus emphasizes the significance of maintaining a steadfast and unwavering commitment to prayer, regardless of the circumstances or obstacles that may arise.

Furthermore, a word study on the term "pray" in this verse reveals that it goes beyond simply uttering words to God. The Greek word used for "pray" here is "proseuchomai," which conveys the idea of approaching God with a humble, reverent attitude. It highlights the deep intimacy and connection that believers are called to have with the Lord through prayer. Therefore, this verse not only underscores the importance of persistence in prayer but also emphasizes the spiritual posture and attitude with which individuals should come before God in prayer.

American Standard Version

And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
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