Luke 18:6-8

18:6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! ¹  18:7 Won’t ²  God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out ³  to him day and night? ⁴  Will he delay ⁵  long to help them? 18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. ⁶  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith ⁷  on earth?”

[18:6]  ¹ sn Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! The point of the parable is that the judge’s lack of compassion was overcome by the widow’s persistence.

[18:7]  ² tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[18:7]  ³ sn The prayers have to do with the righteous who cry out to him to receive justice. The context assumes the righteous are persecuted.

[18:7]  ⁴ tn The emphatic particles in this sentence indicate that God will indeed give justice to the righteous.

[18:7]  ⁵ sn The issue of delay has produced a whole host of views for this verse. (1) Does this assume provision to endure in the meantime? Or (2) does it mean God restricts the level of persecution until he comes? Either view is possible.

[18:8]  ⁶ tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.

[18:8]  ⁷ sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.