Book of Luke - Chapter 18 - Verse 4

This verse highlights the parable of the persistent widow as told by Jesus in the book of Luke. In this verse, a judge is portrayed as neither fearing God nor regarding man, yet is influenced by the persistence of a widow seeking justice. The judge initially refuses to help the widow, but eventually changes his mind due to her perseverance. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of persistence in prayer and seeking justice. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. By sharing this parable, Jesus encourages his followers to continue to pray and have faith, trusting that God will answer their prayers in his perfect timing. It also serves as a warning to those in positions of authority to act justly and compassionately, as even the most hardened hearts can be softened by persistence and righteousness.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;", it is crucial to acknowledge the context in which it is found. This passage comes from the parable of the unjust judge in the Gospel of Luke. The unjust judge represents God, who in contrast to the judge, is not indifferent to the cries of his people. The word study of "regard" in this verse sheds light on the judge's lack of concern for either God or man. This emphasizes the corrupt nature of the judge and highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, as demonstrated by the widow in the parable. The theological weight of this passage lies in the reminder that even when we feel as though our prayers are falling on deaf ears, God is always listening and responding in his perfect timing.