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Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the unjust judge
by RS  admin@creationpie.org : 1024 x 640


1. Luke 18:2
   Luke 18:2 
 All 
KJV: Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Greek: λεγων κριτης τις ην εν τινι πολει τον θεον μη φοβουμενος και ανθρωπον μη εντρεπομενος
Latin: dicens iudex quidam erat in quadam civitate qui Deum non timebat et hominem non verebatur

2. Luke 18:3
   Luke 18:3 
 All 
KJV: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Greek: χηρα δε ην εν τη πολει εκεινη και ηρχετο προς αυτον λεγουσα εκδικησον με απο του αντιδικου μου

3. Luke 18:5
   Luke 18:5 
 All 
KJV: Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Greek: δια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με
Latin: tamen quia molesta est mihi haec vidua vindicabo illam ne in novissimo veniens suggillet me

4. Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the unjust judge
Balance scales tilt right Balance scales tilt even Balance scales tilt left Is God "just" or "unjust"?


Do people ever ask this question?

At Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the unjust judge.

There are a number of Greek words used here only once in the GNT (Greek New Testament) (not including the same story in multiple books). Jesus often uses words that have double or hidden meanings so this parable is interestingly in that respect. As usual, the Latin translation influences later translations.

Aristotle, in his Sophistic Refutations, provides an interesting background for discussion of the terms "nature", "truth", "law", "opinion" and "justice".

5. Sophistic refutations
Book: On Sophistic Refutations
Aristotle wrote a book called On Sophistic Refutations in which he detailed the "false reasoning" used by Sophists (from the Greek word for "wisdom") who would use invalid logic to convince others of ideas to make money for themselves. In English, "sophistic" logic or "false reasoning" is "sophistry".
One of the many types of invalid logic detailed by Aristotle was "eristic" reasoning. Paul uses that word often but it is often translated, without the "bad logic" connection, as "strife"

Information sign More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention
Information sign More: Aristotle

6. Nature and law and justice
Levels of truthIn his On Sophistic Refutations, Aristotle says that from ancient times, nature (truth) and law (opinion) are opposites and that justice goes with the law (opinion) but not with nature (truth).
English: Nature and Law are opposites, and justice is a good thing according to the law but not according to nature. Loeb #400, p. 73.
Greek: ἐναντία γὰρ εἶναι φύσιν καὶ νόμον, καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην κατὰ νόμον μὲν εἶναι καλόν, κατὰ φύσιν δ´ οὐ καλόν Sophistic Refutations [173b]
Whenever Jesus, Paul, etc., use the word for "righteousness" one must determine from context what is meant. There may be double meanings.

7. Truth and opinion
Levels of truthAristotle continues about "nature" as "truth" and "law" as "opinion".
English: In the view of the ancients what accorded with nature was the truth. While what accorded with law was the general opinion of mankind. Loeb #400, p. 73.
Greek: Ἦν δὲ τὸ μὲν κατὰ φύσιν αὐτοῖς τὸ ἀληθές, τὸ δὲ κατὰ νόμον τὸ τοῖς πολλοῖς δοκοῦν. Sophistic Refutations [173b]

8. Beam me up opinions
Rock and sand Tree with twigs - fruit

In Matthew 7, Jesus appears to use the ancient Greek word "δοκόν""beam" as a play on words with "δοκοῦν""opinion, expectation" in the "beam" (as expectation) and "mote" where "κάρφος""twig, splinter, mote" and "καρπός""fruit".

The ancient Greek word "δόξα""opinion, expectation" and is the source of the English word "doxology".

Information sign More: Matthew 7:3-5 Beams and motes: the devil is in the details
Information sign More: Expectation of a glorious Greek opinion on a doxology
Information sign More: Victory and strife: bema seat

9. The legal truth table
Table illusion 2 Levels of truth

Advice/adage:

10. Greek truth as reality
Verse routeJohn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι γνωσεσθε την αληθειαν και η αληθεια ελευθερωσει υμας [gnt]

Levels of truthJesus is the "truth" as in the "reality". The Greek word for "truth" means, literally, "not nothing" or "not oblivion" or "not forgotten". Thus, "truth" is "reality" and not logic nor opinion.

11. Equity
Balance scales tilt right Balance scales tilt even Balance scales tilt left

Sometimes the idea of "justice" has to do with the idea of "equity". The Greek has a word for "equity" that is used in the GNT.

The ancient Greek word "ἐπιείκεια""equity, fairness" . However, the KJV (King James Version) sometimes translates this word as "moderation" being influenced by the Latin translation the Latin word "modestia""moderation" which is the source of the English word "modest". This can change the meaning of the verses involved.

12. Clemency
Verse routeActs 24:4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. [kjv]
Verse routeινα δε μη επι πλειον σε εγκοπτω παρακαλω ακουσαι σε ημων συντομως τη ση επιεικεια [gnt]
Verse routeclementia [v]
Verse routePhilippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [kjv]
Verse routeτο επιεικες υμων γνωσθητω πασιν ανθρωποις ο κυριος εγγυς [gnt]
Verse routemodestia … [v]

Here we see the general trend to translate a more "active" idea of "equity" (to others) with a more "passive" idea of "moderation" (within oneself).

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.

13. Acts 24:4

   Acts 24:4 
 All 
KJV: Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
Greek: ινα δε μη επι πλειον σε εγκοπτω παρακαλω ακουσαι σε ημων συντομως τη ση επιεικεια
Latin: ne diutius autem te protraham oro breviter audias nos pro tua clementia

14. Philippians 4:5

 All 
KJV: Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Greek: το επιεικες υμων γνωσθητω πασιν ανθρωποις ο κυριος εγγυς

15. Strongs - equity
  • *G1933 *5 ἐπιεικής (ep-ee-i-kace') : from G1909 and G1503; appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild:--gentle, moderation, patient.
  •  Usage 
     All 
    • επιεικες
      •   Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all ...
    • επιεικη
      •   1 Timothy 3:3 ... not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    • επιεικεις
      •   Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness ...
    • επιεικης
      •   James 3:17 ... pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy ...
    • επιεικεσιν
      •   1 Peter 2:18 ... only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

16. Usage - equity
Word usage per chapter Words: επιεικεις επιεικες επιεικεσιν επιεικη επιεικης

17. Parable
We now look at the "Parable of the unjust judge" in Luke 18:1-8. Some call it the "Parable of the persistent widow".

Note that there is no reference to prayer in what Jesus says. The mention of prayer is in a summary at the beginning of the parable by the writer of Luke.

Note also that the judge will not actually decide on the basis of human opinion that is called "justice".

18. Parable
In Luke 18, Luke uses a top-down way of presenting verses in that a summary precedes rather than concludes the verses with the content. Jesus is speaking.
Verse routeLuke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [kjv]
Verse routeελεγεν δε παραβολην αυτοις προς το δειν παντοτε προσευχεσθαι αυτους και μη ενκακειν [gnt]

In Greek, there are two words for a story, "parable" and "proverb". In Hebrew there is one word. The GNT appears to have no pattern as to whether "parable" or "proverb" is used.

19. Proverbs and parables
What is the difference between a "parable" and a "proverb"? It appears that the Hebrew/Aramaic has one word for this concept and that word can be translated into Greek as "parable" or "proverb". It is possible that whoever did the Greek translation picked the Greek word that they thought best matched the original language, but the differences and implications are yet interesting (and left for another time and place).

Information sign More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

20. Jesus and parables
Jesus uses the "parable" as a story with (by definition) secret code words where, to get the meaning, one needs to substitute the word with the code word to get the intended meaning.

Information sign More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus
In Luke 18, as we shall see, Jesus makes the code words clear.

21. French and Spanish parables
The ancient Greek word "παραβολή""saying, proverb" means to "throw out beyond" as in a "story" that goes beyond actual reality.

The Romans adopted the Greek word as the Latin word "parabola""story" that merged with French (Celtic) to produce "parler""to tell stories" as in the English "parlor" as a place to talk and/or tell stories.
The French and Spanish words eventually became words for talking. The modern Greek word "παραβολή" (pa-ra-vo-LEE) ≈ "parable" as influenced by theologians interpretation of what Jesus said.

Information sign More: Mythical stories about history

22. Faint and weary
Verse routeLuke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [kjv]
Verse routeελεγεν δε παραβολην αυτοις προς το δειν παντοτε προσευχεσθαι αυτους και μη ενκακειν [gnt]

The Greek translated by the KJV as "faint" appears to be a contraction of three words, "out and there" (most Greek manuscripts) or "in and there" (some Greek manuscripts) and that appears to be an idiom that might be translated as "distracted".

An English analogy might be someone who is "here and there" or, perhaps, as the English idiom "out to lunch".

23. And that
The word for "faint" appears only a few times and only in the GNT. A similar word construction appears often in ancient (and modern) Greek. The ancient Greek word "κἀκείνων""and that" is a contraction of two words. From this, it appears that the GNT word "εκκακείν""out and there" instead of the contrived meaning derivation by Strong using the ancient Greek word "κακός""bad, sick" and sometimes "evil". Jesus always uses the word in terms of the "sick" (physically or spiritually).

Information sign More: Matthew 9:8-13 The healthy make a strong case for evil sick time

24. Strongs - faint

25. Usage - faint
These words were grouped together by Strong but the usage in Luke 18:1 and Ephesians 3:13 may not be the same as the others.

Word usage per chapter Words: εγκακησητε εγκακουμεν=2 ενκακειν=2 ενκακωμεν


26. Greek
The same construction of "and there he" appears in the GNT. The translation will often omit the "there", perhaps as awkward in English.

Verse routeJohn 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [kjv]
Verse routeεγω οιδα αυτον οτι παρ αυτου ειμι κακεινος με απεστειλεν [gnt]

Verse routeLuke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. [kjv]
Verse routeκακεινος υμιν δειξει αναγαιον μεγα εστρωμενον εκει ετοιμασατε [gnt]

Note that the "upper room" (this verse) was in the "guest room" (previous verse) which is the same Greek word used by Luke that is often translated as "inn" in the Christmas story.

Information sign More: Luke 2:7 no room at the inn
Information sign More: Matthew 5: 17 Leave the light on but do not use the law as a residence inn

27. John 7:29
   John 7:29 
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KJV: But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Greek: εγω δε οιδα αυτον οτι παρ αυτου ειμι κακεινος με απεστειλεν

28. Luke 22:12
   Luke 22:12 
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KJV: And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
Greek: κακεινος υμιν δειξει ανωγεον αναγαιον μεγα εστρωμενον εκει ετοιμασατε

29. Strongs - and there

30. Usage - and there
Word usage per chapter Words: κακεινα=4 κακεινη κακεινοι=7 κακεινον=3 κακεινος=8 κακεινους


31. Faint distraction
Verse routeEphesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. [kjv]
Verse routeδιο αιτουμαι μη ενκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "δόξα""opinion, expectation" as in "doxology". Using the above definitions, the verse might be written as follows.

Paraphrase: Wherefore, I desire that you not be distracted at my tribulations for you, which is your opinion.

32. Ephesians 3:13
 All 
KJV: Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Greek: διο αιτουμαι μη εκκακειν ενκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων

33. Giving up
Verse routeGalatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [kjv]
Verse routeτο δε καλον ποιουντες μη ενκακωμεν καιρω γαρ ιδιω θερισομεν μη εκλυομενοι [gnt]

Paraphrase: And let us not be distracted in doing good, for in time we shall reap, if we do not give up.

34. Galatians 6:9
 All 
KJV: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Greek: το δε καλον ποιουντες μη εκκακωμεν ενκακωμεν καιρω γαρ ιδιω θερισομεν μη εκλυομενοι

35. Strongs - give up

36. Usage - give up
Word usage per chapter Words: εκλυθησονται εκλυθωσιν εκλυομενοι=2 εκλυου


37. Latin
Verse routeLuke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [kjv]
Verse routeελεγεν δε παραβολην αυτοις προς το δειν παντοτε προσευχεσθαι αυτους και μη ενκακειν [gnt]

The Latin word "oro""orate, plead, pray" and is the source of the English word "orate". The widow will "say" and not "pray".

The Latin word "deficio""move away, leave, fail" as in the English word "deficient". It is the lesser of the meanings "fail" that appears to have gone forward in later translations as "faint". The "move away" or "leave" appears to fit the idea of a "distraction" or "deficiency".

38. Prayers and wishes
Verse routeMatthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "προσεύχομαι""pray, vow, request" as in a request as a wish and comes from two Greek words. A double-meaning here is that it can refer to the common idea of a "prayer" but also to a request or bid for something as a "good wish".

The idea of a "prayer bead" or "prayer prayer" goes back to the English word "bid" as in a request or "prayer". The actual "bead" is a reminder of a needed "bid" or "prayer".


Information sign More: Prayer beads, Beade, and year dates

39. Matthew 21:22
 All 
KJV: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Greek: και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες ληψεσθε λημψεσθε

40. Start with the summary
Verse routeLuke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [kjv]
Verse routeελεγεν δε παραβολην αυτοις προς το δειν παντοτε προσευχεσθαι αυτους και μη ενκακειν [gnt]

Imply and inferNote how Luke summarizes in verse 1 the verses 2-8 that follow this verse. This summary is a decision made by the writer (or someone else) as an inference of what Jesus said and may not be all that Jesus meant by what he said.

In particular, the meanings of "pray" and "faint" should, in some sense, fit both the encoded parable in verses 2-5 and the decoded parable in verses 7-8.

41. Luke 18:1
   Luke 18:1 
 All 
KJV: And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Greek: ελεγεν δε και παραβολην αυτοις προς το δειν παντοτε προσευχεσθαι αυτους και μη εκκακειν ενκακειν
Latin: dicebat autem et parabolam ad illos quoniam oportet semper orare et non deficere

42. Here comes the judge
Verse routeLuke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [kjv]
Verse routeλεγων κριτης τις ην εν τινι πολει τον θεον μη φοβουμενος και ανθρωπον μη εντρεπομενος [gnt]
Verse routeiudextimebatverebatur [v]

Looking ahead, the encoded word "judge" will be the decoded word "God". The Latin word "vereor""respect, revere, afraid of, fear" and is the source of the English word "revere".

The ancient Greek word "τρέπω""turn, divert, mind change" while the Latin word "timeo""fear, apprehend, by apprehensive of".

43. Regard
Verse routeLuke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [kjv]
Verse routeλεγων κριτης τις ην εν τινι πολει τον θεον μη φοβουμενος και ανθρωπον μη εντρεπομενος [gnt]
Verse routeiudextimebatverebatur [v]

The Greek word used here for "regarded" is perhaps related to the ancient Greek word "εντροπή""turning in, turning away, cowardice, shame" which became the word used for the English scientific term "entropy".

44. Widow
Verse routeLuke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [kjv]
Verse routeχηρα δε ην εν τη πολει εκεινη και ηρχετο προς αυτον λεγουσα εκδικησον με απο του αντιδικου μου [gnt]

Looking ahead, the encoded word "widow" will be the decoded word "elect" as in the "chosen ones" of the "faith".

Note that the "widow" is "saying" and not "praying" in the usual sense. The ancient Greek word "λέγω""order, arrange, gather, choose, say, call".

The "avenge" means "vengeance". Usually, a judge can make a decision but does not personally enforce that decision. Pilate made a judgment about the crucifixion of Jesus and determined the penalty but did not enforce the penalty. His soldiers performed the "vengeance" of the judicial decision.

45. Luke 18:3 Discussion
Verse routeLuke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [kjv]
Verse routeχηρα δε ην εν τη πολει εκεινη και ηρχετο προς αυτον λεγουσα εκδικησον με απο του αντιδικου μου [gnt]

Discuss: Who is the "adversary"? Some choices include the following. The ancient Greek word "ἀντίδικος""legal opponent" but could, in general, mean any opponent. The literal meaning is that of someone "in place of you or yours". That is, an opponent. The "in place of" is similar to the word "Anti-Christ" which means, literally, someone who puts them self "in place of Christ".

The "antichrist" in the Bible is both a general term for those who put themselves "in place of Christ" and the "Antichrist" or "beast" (or many other names in the Bible) as a unique being in the end times of the Bible.

Information sign More: The one Antichrist and many antichrists

46. Adversary
Peter warns of an adversary - the "devil" or "accuser".

Verse route1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [kjv]
Verse routeνηψατε γρηγορησατε ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων καταπιειν [gnt]
Verse routevigilateadversariusdiabolus … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἀντίδικος""legal opponent". The Latin word "adversarius""opponent, rival, adversary" and is the source of the English word "adversary".

The English name "Gregory" comes from the ancient Greek word "γρηγόριος""watchful, vigilant".

Information sign More: Come quickly: sooner or later

47. 1 Peter 5:8
   1 Peter 5:8 
 All 
KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Greek: νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη καταπιειν
Latin: sobrii estote vigilate quia adversarius vester diabolus tamquam leo rugiens circuit quaerens quem devoret

48. Delay
Verse routeLuke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ουκ ηθελεν επι χρονον μετα ταυτα δε ειπεν εν εαυτω ει και τον θεον ου φοβουμαι ανθρωπον εντρεπομαι [gnt]
Verse routeper multum tempus post haec … [v]

The judge delays. The ancient Greek word "χρόνος""time" and is the source of words such as "chronological", "anachronism", "crony", etc.

The ancient Greek word "μετά""after" or some sense of "after". You might meet pastors (and others) who have been taught and will emphatically insist that this word/prefix means "changed".

Information sign More: Have you ever met a prefix like this?
Information sign More: Think after what you heard and repent
Information sign More: Have you ever met a prefix like this?

49. Luke 18:4
   Luke 18:4 
 All 
KJV: And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Greek: και ουκ ηθελησεν ηθελεν επι χρονον μετα δε ταυτα δε ειπεν εν εαυτω ει και τον θεον ου φοβουμαι και ουδε ανθρωπον ουκ εντρεπομαι
Latin: et nolebat per multum tempus post haec autem dixit intra se et si Deum non timeo nec hominem revereor

50. 2 Peter 3:9 Make way for repentance
Peter tells us that the Lord is not "slow" but will delay coming to give all a chance to "make way" to "repent" as in an "after thought". When it happens, it will happen "quickly".
Verse route2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [kjv]
Verse routeου βραδυνει κυριος της επαγγελιας ως τινες βραδυτητα ηγουνται αλλα μακροθυμει εις υμας μη βουλομενος τινας απολεσθαι αλλα παντας εις μετανοιαν χωρησαι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "βραδύνω""make slow, delay" which comes from "βραδύς""slow" and which is the opposite of "ταχύς""quick" which, depending on context, might mean "soon".

The ancient Greek word "χωρέω""give way, make way". Those described should "give way" or "make way" for "repentance". The Greek word for "repentance" means, literally, to "think after" what one is doing. "Repentance" starts in the mind. There is another Greek word for "change what you are doing".

Information sign More: Come quickly: sooner or later
Information sign More: Think after what you heard and repent
Information sign More: John 21:24-25 Giving way to the gospel writing style of John

51. 2 Peter 3:9
   2 Peter 3:9 
 All 
KJV: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Greek: ου βραδυνει ο κυριος της επαγγελιας ως τινες βραδυτητα ηγουνται αλλα μακροθυμει εις ημας υμας μη βουλομενος τινας απολεσθαι αλλα παντας εις μετανοιαν χωρησαι

52. Modern Greek
Verse route2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [kjv]
Verse routeου βραδυνει κυριος της επαγγελιας ως τινες βραδυτητα ηγουνται αλλα μακροθυμει εις υμας μη βουλομενος τινας απολεσθαι αλλα παντας εις μετανοιαν χωρησαι [gnt]
Verse route3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; … [kjv]
Verse routeηξει δε ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν η οι ουρανοι ροιζηδον παρελευσονται στοιχεια δε καυσουμενα λυθησεται και γη και τα εν αυτη εργα [gnt]

The modern Greek word "βράδυ" (VRA-thee) ≈ "evening" as in the long slow wait for the evening, with, perhaps, a "thief in the night".

A similar meaning development is in Spanish in "tarde""late, afternoon".

53. 2 Peter 3:10
   2 Peter 3:10 
 All 
KJV: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Greek: ηξει δε η ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι εν η οι ουρανοι ροιζηδον παρελευσονται στοιχεια δε καυσουμενα λυθησονται λυθησεται και γη και τα εν αυτη εργα κατακαησεται ευρεθησεται

54. Decision
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The judge now makes a decision.

55. Toil
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The Greek for "troubleth" is that of "toiling" or "working". The ancient Greek word "κόπος""toil, work".

Is the widow "toiling" or "working" to state case to the judge or is the widow taking a toll on the judge by causing hem to "toil" or "work"?

Discuss: Compare the widow to the idiom of "working the system".

The Latin changes this to "molestus""troublesome, annoying".

56. Judge and widow
The parable of the judge and the widow uses the Greek word for "toil" but is translated by the KJV as "troubleth".
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The word "trouble" appears to follow from the Latin word "molestus""troublesome, annoying" and is the source of the English word "molest".

The Greek for "toil" appears to have both a "good" and a "not so good" double meaning. The "trouble" fits the judge and widow story but the "toil" or "work" appears to better fit the intended meaning of the parable.

57. Camels and needles
Verse routeLuke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
Verse routeευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
Verse routeMatthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
Verse routeπαλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]

The Latin changes the Greek question "which is a better toil" to a statement! Matthew uses "kingdom" of "God" rather than "kingdom" of "heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?

Paraphrase: Which is a better toil or work, to get a camel through the eye of a needle or a rich man into the kingdom of God?

Discuss: Compare and contrast the KJV statements about a rich man in Luke 18:25 with Jesus and Zacchaeus, a rich man, in Luke 19 (start of the next chapter). Does Zacchaeus keep all or some or none of his wealth?

Information sign More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
Information sign More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature
Information sign More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?

58. Vengeance
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The ancient Greek word "εκδίκηση""revenge, vengeance".

The Latin word "vindico""avenge, vindicate, claim, punish" which captures some of the meaning of the Greek.

59. Purposeful goal
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The KJV uses "continual" whereas the Greek word is that of "end" or "purpose". There is a purposeful goal.

The ancient Greek word "τέλος""end, purpose". Aristotle gave this word a special meaning in Greek philosophy as part of his four causes. The last of the four causes is that of a purpose or end towards which the cause progresses as a goal.

Information sign More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes

60. Black and blue weariness
Verse routeLuke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse routeδια γε το παρεχειν μοι κοπον την χηραν ταυτην εκδικησω αυτην ινα μη εις τελος ερχομενη υπωπιαζη με [gnt]
Verse routemolestavindicabosuggillet … [v]

The KJV uses "weary" for a Greek word that is, literally, the three words combined together of "below eye press" and, as an idiom, meant a "black eye" or, in general, bruising and what English calls "black and blue".

The Latin word "suggillo""bruise" which could be physical or non-physical as in doing something that would hurt someone's feelings.

One meaning is that the widow would tarnish the judge's reputation in some way. Can we tarnish the reputation of God?

61. Black eye
The ancient Greek idiomatic word "υποπιαζη""bruised eye" as in a "black and blue" eye in a physical or non-physical sense. The word comes from three Greek words.

62. Fountains
The ancient Greek word "ὀπή""opening, hole" as in an "opening" such as the "eye" as in "eye of the hurricane" or "eye of the needle".

Verse routeJames 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? [kjv]
Verse routeμητι η πηγη εκ της αυτης οπης βρυει το γλυκυ και το πικρον [gnt]
Verse routefonsforamine … [v]
Verse routewellehoole … [wy]

Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate baking chips
The KJV uses the word "place" for the Greek word meaning "hole".

The Latin word "foramine""hole, aperture".


Information sign More: Apple of the eye
Information sign More: Sweet sweet sweets
Information sign More: Bitter bitter bits

63. James 3:11
   James 3:11 
 All 
KJV: Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Greek: μητι η πηγη εκ της αυτης οπης βρυει το γλυκυ και το πικρον
Latin: numquid fons de eodem foramine emanat dulcem et amaram aquam
Wycliffe: Whether a welle of the same hoole bringith forth swete and salt watir?

64. Pressing out
The ancient Greek word "πιάζω""press, squeeze" is a variation of "πιέζω""press, squeeze" and from which comes the English word "piezoelectric" as in crystals that act as a transducers from mechanical (press) to electrical current (and vice versa).

Verse routeProverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. [kjv]
Verse routeαμελγε γαλα και εσται βουτυρον εαν δε εκπιεζης μυκτηρας εξελευσεται αιμα εαν δε εξελκης λογους εξελευσονται κρισεις και μαχαι [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "εκπιεζης""squeeze out" as in the "wringing" of the "nose" (in case you are nosy).

65. Proverbs 30:33
 All 
KJV: Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Hebrew: כי מיץ חלב יוציא חמאה ומיץ אף יוציא דם ומיץ אפים יוציא ריב׃
Greek: αμελγε γαλα και εσται βουτυρον εαν δε εκπιεζης μυκτηρας εξελευσεται αιμα εαν δε εξελκης λογους εξελευσονται κρισεις και μαχαι

66. Expressions
The English word "expression" comes from the Latin word "expressio""press out". In mathematics and computer science, an "expression" is a formula whose value is "pressed out" by "evaluation" (to a normal form). An "expression" on a face is something that is "pressed out". Espresso coffee is "pressed-out coffee".
Verse routeGenesis 40:11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι το ποτηριον φαραω εν τη χειρι μου και ελαβον την σταφυλην και εξεθλιψα αυτην εις το ποτηριον και εδωκα το ποτηριον εις τας χειρας φαραω [lxx]
Verse routecalicemqueexpressi … [v]


67. Genesis 40:11
 All 
KJV: And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
Hebrew: וכוס פרעה בידי ואקח את הענבים ואשחט אתם אל כוס פרעה ואתן את הכוס על כף פרעה׃
Greek: και το ποτηριον φαραω εν τη χειρι μου και ελαβον την σταφυλην και εξεθλιψα αυτην εις το ποτηριον και εδωκα το ποτηριον εις τας χειρας φαραω
Latin: calicemque Pharaonis in manu mea tuli ergo uvas et expressi in calicem quem tenebam et tradidi poculum Pharaoni

68. Unjust judge
Verse routeLuke 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. [kjv]
Verse routeειπεν δε ο κυριος ακουσατε τι ο κριτης της αδικιας λεγει [gnt]

Jesus ends the encoded parable in verses 2-5 and will now start the decoded parable in verses 7-8.

The Greek for "hear" assumes understanding as in "hear and understand". The English might be "expressed" as "understand what the unjust judge said".

Jesus then explains the parable. The connections between the nouns of the encoded parable and the nouns of the decoded parable become evident. In the parables of Jesus, the verbs appear not to change meaning.

69. Unjust judge
Verse routeLuke 18:6 Hear what the unjust judge saith. [kjv]
Verse routeειπεν δε ο κυριος ακουσατε τι ο κριτης της αδικιας λεγει [gnt]

Jesus describes the "judge" as "unjust". The encoded word "judge" appears to be the decoded "God" (next verse).

man God
opinion truth
law nature
justice reality
Discuss:
  • Is Jesus saying that "God" is "unjust"?
  • What is the meaning of "justice"?
  • From whose point of view is "justice" defined?
  • From whose point of view should "justice" be defined?

70. Luke 18:6
   Luke 18:6 
 All 
KJV: And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Greek: ειπεν δε ο κυριος ακουσατε τι ο κριτης της αδικιας λεγει
Latin: ait autem Dominus audite quid iudex iniquitatis dicit

71. Election of action
Verse routeLuke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [kjv]
Verse routeο δε θεος ου μη ποιηση την εκδικησιν των εκλεκτων αυτου των βοωντων ημερας και νυκτος και μακροθυμει επ αυτοις [gnt]
Verse routeDeusvindictam electorumclamantium … [v]

God appears to be the "judge". The widow appears to be the "elect". The "toil" with a "purpose" is that of "crying" day and night to God. The delay of the judge appears to be waiting until the right moment. The ancient Greek word "ἐκλεκτός""picked out, selected, chosen" and is the source of the English words "election" and "eclectic".

The KJV has "avenge" while the Greek has "make vengeance" using the word for "make" as used in "peacemaker".

Information sign More: Matthew 5:9 Making and appeasing peaceful peacemakers

72. Fruit: longsuffering and enduring patience
Any sermon on the topic of "patience" from the list of fruit needs to be taken carefully. There are two Greek words that have been translated as "patience". Both Paul and James use both of them so there appears to be a distinction made so that they may not be interchangeable.

Verse routeGalatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [kjv]
Verse routeο δε καρπος του πνευματος εστιν αγαπη χαρα ειρηνη μακροθυμια χρηστοτης αγαθωσυνη πιστις [gnt]
Verse routelonganimitas … [v]
Verse routepacience… [wy]

The ancient Greek word "μακροθυμία""longsuffering, patience" and comes from "μᾰκρό""long" and "θῡμός""soul, desire, temper, passion" and many related meanings.

Information sign More: Fruit: longsuffering and enduring patience

73. Luke 18:7
   Luke 18:7 
 All 
KJV: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Greek: ο δε θεος ου μη ποιησει ποιηση την εκδικησιν των εκλεκτων αυτου των βοωντων προς αυτον αυτω ημερας και νυκτος και μακροθυμων μακροθυμει επ αυτοις
Latin: Deus autem non faciet vindictam electorum suorum clamantium ad se die ac nocte et patientiam habebit in illis

74. Elected
Verse routeMatthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. [kjv]
Verse routeπολλοι γαρ εισιν κλητοι ολιγοι δε εκλεκτοι [gnt]
Verse routevocatielecti [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἐκλεκτός""picked out, selected" and is the source of the English word "eclectic". The Greek word comes from two Greek words. The Greek word is related to the Latin word "electio""choice, selection". The modern Greek word "εκλέκτον" (eh-KLEH-kton) ≈ "elect, chosen".

Information sign More: Election callings

75. Strongs - elect

76. Usage - elect
Word usage per chapter Words: εκλεκτη εκλεκτης εκλεκτοι=3 εκλεκτοις εκλεκτον=4 εκλεκτος εκλεκτους=7 εκλεκτων=4


77. Crying for help
Verse routeLuke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [kjv]
Verse routeο δε θεος ου μη ποιηση την εκδικησιν των εκλεκτων αυτου των βοωντων ημερας και νυκτος και μακροθυμει επ αυτοις [gnt]
Verse routeDeusvindictam electorumclamantium … [v]

The modern Greek word "βοήθεια" (vo-EE-thee-a) ≈ "help" is the same as the ancient Greek word "βοήθεια""aid, help" which comes from the ancient Greek word "βοή""shout, cry" as in a call to battle.

78. Crying for help
The same word for "cry" is used later in the chapter for a blind man crying out, as in "day and night", to Jesus.

Verse routeLuke 18:38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εβοησεν λεγων ιησου υιε δαυιδ ελεησον με [gnt]
Verse routeclamavit … [v]

Discuss:

79. Luke 18:38
   Luke 18:38 
 All 
KJV: And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Greek: και εβοησεν λεγων ιησου υιε δαβιδ δαυιδ ελεησον με
Latin: et clamavit dicens Iesu Fili David miserere mei

80. Strongs - crying out

81. Usage - crying out
Word usage per chapter Words: βοησον βοωντα βοωντες=2 βοωντος=4 βοωντων εβοησεν=3


82. Quickness
Verse routeLuke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? [kjv]
Verse routeλεγω υμιν οτι ποιησει την εκδικησιν αυτων εν ταχει πλην ο υιος του ανθρωπου ελθων αρα ευρησει την πιστιν επι της γης [gnt]
Verse routecitovindictamveniensinveniet … [v]

The "coming" appears to be the "second coming" of Jesus.

This vengeance appears to be described in Revelation. There, however, many translations have changed the Greek for "quick" to "soon". In part, this is to relegate Revelation to a past event during the first century so that one need not be concerned about what is said in Revelation.

Information sign More: Come quickly: sooner or later

83. Luke 18:8
   Luke 18:8 
 All 
KJV: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Greek: λεγω υμιν οτι ποιησει την εκδικησιν αυτων εν ταχει πλην ο υιος του ανθρωπου ελθων αρα ευρησει την πιστιν επι της γης
Latin: dico vobis quia cito faciet vindictam illorum verumtamen Filius hominis veniens putas inveniet fidem in terra

84. Defense and vengeance
Verse routeActs 7:24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ιδων τινα αδικουμενον ημυνατο και εποιησεν εκδικησιν τω καταπονουμενω παταξας τον αιγυπτιον [gnt]

In Stephen's sermon before the religious authorities, we hear how Moses (often a type of Christ) "defended" and "avenged" an Israelite (representing on of the elect) who was "oppressed" by an Egyptian (representing the adversary of the world).

85. Acts 7:24
   Acts 7:24 
 All 
KJV: And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
Greek: και ιδων τινα αδικουμενον ημυνατο και εποιησεν εκδικησιν τω καταπονουμενω παταξας τον αιγυπτιον

86. Jesus and vengeance
Paul talks about Jesus in his second coming and a quick vengeance. This appears to reflect the decoded parable of the unjust judge.

Verse route2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [kjv]
Verse routeκαι υμιν τοις θλιβομενοις ανεσιν μεθ ημων εν τη αποκαλυψει του κυριου ιησου απ ουρανου μετ αγγελων δυναμεως αυτου [gnt]
Verse route1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
Verse routeεν πυρι φλογος διδοντος εκδικησιν τοις μη ειδοσιν θεον και τοις μη υπακουουσιν τω ευαγγελιω του κυριου ημων ιησου [gnt]


87. 2 Thessalonians 1:7
 All 
KJV: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
Greek: και υμιν τοις θλιβομενοις ανεσιν μεθ ημων εν τη αποκαλυψει του κυριου ιησου απ ουρανου μετ αγγελων δυναμεως αυτου

88. 2 Thessalonians 1:8
 All 
KJV: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Greek: εν πυρι φλογος διδοντος εκδικησιν τοις μη ειδοσιν θεον και τοις μη υπακουουσιν τω ευαγγελιω του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου

89. Next parable
Verse routeLuke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [kjv]
Verse routeειπεν δε και προς τινας τους πεποιθοτας εφ εαυτοις οτι εισιν δικαιοι και εξουθενουντας τους λοιπους την παραβολην ταυτην [gnt]
Verse routeceteros parabolam … [v]
Verse routeothereparable, [wy]
Verse routeandernGleichnis: [lu]

Jesus then starts the next parable. Note again how Luke summarizes the verses that follow this verse. This summary is a decision made by the writer (or someone else) as an inference of what Jesus said and may not be all that Jesus meant by what he said.

90. Luke 18:9
   Luke 18:9 
 All 
KJV: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Greek: ειπεν δε και προς τινας τους πεποιθοτας εφ εαυτοις οτι εισιν δικαιοι και εξουθενουντας τους λοιπους την παραβολην ταυτην
Latin: dixit autem et ad quosdam qui in se confidebant tamquam iusti et aspernabantur ceteros parabolam istam
Wycliffe: And he seide also to sum men, that tristiden in hem silf, as thei weren riytful, and dispiseden othere, this parable,
Luther: Er sagte aber zu etlichen, die sich selbst vermaßen, daß sie fromm wären, und verachteten die andern, ein solch Gleichnis:

91. Word order
Verse routeLuke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [kjv]
Verse routeειπεν δε και προς τινας τους πεποιθοτας εφ εαυτοις οτι εισιν δικαιοι και εξουθενουντας τους λοιπους την παραβολην ταυτην [gnt]
Verse routedixit autem et ad quosdam qui in se confidebant tamquam iusti et aspernabantur ceteros parabolam istam [v]

The Greek and Latin have the word for "parable" at the end of the verse, with "others", and not at the beginning as does the KJV.

The Latin word "ceteros""other, remainder, rest" as in the English phrase "et cetera" abbreviated as "etc.".

92. Finally
Verse routeLuke 18:9 parableothers: [kjv]
Verse routeειπεν δε και προς τινας τους πεποιθοτας εφ εαυτοις οτι εισιν δικαιοι και εξουθενουντας τους λοιπους την παραβολην ταυτην [gnt]
Verse routeceteros parabolam … [v]

The ancient Greek word "λοιπός""remaining" as in "others" and is from the ancient Greek word "λείπω""leave behind". It is the source of the ancient Greek word "λοιπόν""what remains, others" and is often translated as "so" or "therefore". The use of this word by Paul in the GNT appears to have double meanings in some places. In some of those places it is translated as "finally" in the KJV and thus loses the double meaning.

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.


93. Review: Parable of the unjust judge
Verse routeLuke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [kjv]
Verse route18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [kjv]
Verse route18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [kjv]
Verse route18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [kjv]
Verse route18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? [kjv]


94. End of page

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