Parable of the Persistent Widow: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Persistent Widow is in Luke 18:1–8. Jesus told this parable to teach the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith in God’s ultimate justice, encouraging believers to continually seek God’s intervention and not lose heart.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Note: This parable is also known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge or the Parable of the Importunate Widow.

Parable of the Persistent Widow In Scripture

Luke 18:1–8 – Parable of the Persistent Widow

¹He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up, ²saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man. ³ A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ ⁴ He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’ ”

⁶The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. ⁷ Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? ⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Read Luke 18

Parable of the Persistent Widow Meaning

This parable means that one should have persistent prayer and faith in God’s justice. Jesus used this metaphor to convey that if even an unjust judge can be moved to act justly, how much more will God, who is just and merciful, respond to the persistent prayers of His people.

Christians are encouraged to continually pray and not lose heart when it comes to seeking justice, trusting that God hears our prayers and will bring about justice in His perfect timing.

Parable of the Persistent Widow Lessons

Persistence in Prayer

The main lesson is this: the widow’s relentless pursuit of justice exemplifies the importance of being persistent in prayer, never giving up despite delays or challenges.

Trust in God’s Timing

The parable also encourages believers to trust in God’s perfect timing. Even when answers seem delayed, Christians are reminded that God is just and will provide in His time.

Faithfulness in Petition

Christians are taught to be faithful in their petitions to God. Just as the widow kept coming to the judge, believers should continually bring their requests before God.

God’s Justice Prevails

Unlike the unjust judge, God is righteous and just. This lesson reassures Christians that God hears their cries and will ultimately bring about justice.

The Power of Faith

The widow’s story illustrates that faith can move mountains. A strong, unwavering faith in God’s providence is powerful and effective. As Christians, we should trust that God is attentive to our needs and will act justly on our behalf.

Summary of the Parable of the Persistent Widow

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Persistent Widow.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Persistent Widow appears in Luke 18:1–8. And the primary meaning of the parable is that one should have persistent prayer and faith in God’s justice. The life lessons include being persistent in prayer, trusting in God’s timing, being faithful in your petitions, God’s justice will prevail, and the power of faith can move mountains.