Net English TranslationLuke 18 =
Prayer and the Parable of the Persistent Widow
18

1 Then1 Jesus2 told them a parable to show them they should always3 pray and not lose heart.4 2 He said,5 “In a certain city6 there was a judge7 who neither feared God nor respected people.8 3 There was also a widow9 in that city10 who kept coming11 to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For12 a while he refused, but later on13 he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people,14 5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out15 by her unending pleas.’”16 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says!17 7 Won’t18 God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out19 to him day and night?20 Will he delay21 long to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily.22 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith23 on earth?”

The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

9 Jesus24 also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down25 on everyone else. 10 “Two men went up26 to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee27 and the other a tax collector.28 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this:29 ‘God, I thank30 you that I am not like other people:31 extortionists,32 unrighteous people,33 adulterers – or even like this tax collector.34 12 I fast twice35 a week; I give a tenth36 of everything I get.’ 13 The tax collector, however, stood37 far off and would not even look up38 to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful39 to me, sinner that I am!’40 14 I tell you that this man went down to his home justified41 rather than the Pharisee.42 For everyone who exalts43 himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus and Little Children

15 Now people44 were even bringing their babies45 to him for him to touch.46 But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them.47 16 But Jesus called for the children,48 saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God49 belongs to such as these.50 17 I tell you the truth,51 whoever does not receive52 the kingdom of God like a child53 will never54 enter it.”

The Wealthy Ruler

18 Now55 a certain ruler56 asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”57 19 Jesus58 said to him, “Why do you call me good?59 No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”60 21 The man61 replied, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed62 all these laws63 since my youth.”64 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have65 and give the money66 to the poor,67 and you will have treasure68 in heaven. Then69 come, follow me.” 23 But when the man70 heard this he became very sad,71 for he was extremely wealthy. 24 When Jesus noticed this,72 he said, “How hard73 it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!74 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle75 than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this said, “Then76 who can be saved?”77 27 He replied, “What is impossible78 for mere humans79 is possible for God.” 28 And Peter said, “Look, we have left everything we own80 to follow you!”81 29 Then82 Jesus83 said to them, “I tell you the truth,84 there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers85 or parents or children for the sake of God’s kingdom 30 who will not receive many times more86 in this age87 – and in the age to come, eternal life.”88

Another Prediction of Jesus’ Passion

31 Then89 Jesus90 took the twelve aside and said to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem,91 and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.92 32 For he will be handed over93 to the Gentiles; he will be mocked,94 mistreated,95 and spat on.96 33 They will flog him severely97 and kill him. Yet98 on the third day he will rise again.” 34 But99 the twelve100 understood none of these things. This101 saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp102 what Jesus meant.103

Healing a Blind Man

35 As104 Jesus105 approached106 Jericho,107 a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was going on. 37 They108 told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is passing by.” 38 So109 he called out,110 “Jesus, Son of David,111 have mercy112 on me!” 39 And those who were in front113 scolded114 him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted115 even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So116 Jesus stopped and ordered the beggar117 to be brought to him. When the man118 came near, Jesus119 asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied,120 “Lord, let me see again.”121 42 Jesus122 said to him, “Receive123 your sight; your faith has healed you.”124 43 And immediately he regained125 his sight and followed Jesus,126 praising127 God. When128 all the people saw it, they too129 gave praise to God.

1tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 2tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 3tn Or “should pray at all times” (L&N 67.88). 4sn This is one of the few parables that comes with an explanation at the start: …they should always pray and not lose heart. It is part of Luke’s goal in encouraging Theophilus (1:4). 5tn Grk “lose heart, saying.” This is a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text, but a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the pronominal subject “He.” 6tn Or “town.” 7sn The judge here is apparently portrayed as a civil judge who often handled financial cases. 8tn Grk “man,” but the singular ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used as a generic in comparison to God. 9sn This widow was not necessarily old, since many people lived only into their thirties in the 1st century. 10tn Or “town.” 11tn This is an iterative imperfect; the widow did this on numerous occasions. 12tn Grk “And for.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 13tn Grk “after these things.” 14tn Grk “man,” but the singular ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used as a generic in comparison to God. 15tn The term ὑπωπιάζω (Jupwpiazw) in this context means “to wear someone out by continual annoying” (L&N 25.245). 16tn Grk “by her continual coming,” but the point of annoyance to the judge is her constant pleas for justice (v. 3). 17sn 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. 18tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 19sn The prayers have to do with the righteous who cry out to him to receive justice. The context assumes the righteous are persecuted. 20tn The emphatic particles in this sentence indicate that God will indeed give justice to the righteous. 21sn 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. 22tn 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. 23sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait. 24tn Grk “He”; the referent has been specified in the translation for clarity. 25tn Grk “and despised.” This is a second parable with an explanatory introduction. 26sn The temple is on a hill in Jerusalem, so one would go up to enter its precincts. 27sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17. 28sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12. 29tn Or “stood by himself and prayed like this.” The prepositional phrase πρὸς ἑαυτόν (pros eauton, “to/about himself”) could go with either the aorist participle σταθείς (staqeis, “stood”) or with the imperfect verb προσηύχετο (proshuceto, “he prayed”). If taken with the participle, then the meaning would seem at first glance to be: “stood ‘by himself’,” or “stood ‘alone’.” Now it is true that πρός can mean “by” or “with” when used with intransitive verbs such as ἵστημι ({isthmi, “I stand”; cf. BDAG 874 s.v. πρός 2.a), but πρὸς ἑαυτόν together never means “by himself” or “alone” in biblical Greek. On the other hand, if πρὸς ἑαυτόν is taken with the verb, then two different nuances emerge, both of which highlight in different ways the principal point Jesus seems to be making about the arrogance of this religious leader: (1) “prayed to himself,” but not necessarily silently, or (2) “prayed about himself,” with the connotation that he prayed out loud, for all to hear. Since his prayer is really a review of his moral résumé, directed both at advertising his own righteousness and exposing the perversion of the tax collector, whom he actually mentions in his prayer, the latter option seems preferable. If this is the case, then the Pharisee’s mention of God is really nothing more than a formality. 30sn The Pharisee’s prayer started out as a thanksgiving psalm to God, but the praise ended up not being about God. 31tn Here the plural Greek term ἀνθρώπων (anqrwpwn) is used as a generic and can refer to both men and women (NASB, NRSV, “people”; NLT, “everyone else”; NAB, “the rest of humanity”). 32tn Or “swindlers” (BDAG 134 s.v. ἅρπαξ 2); see also Isa 10:2; Josephus, J. W. 6.3.4 [6.203]. 33sn A general category for “sinners” (1 Cor 6:9; Lev 19:3). 34sn Note what the Pharisee assumes about the righteousness of this tax collector by grouping him with extortionists, unrighteous people, and adulterers. 35sn The law only required fasting on the Day of Atonement. Such voluntary fasting as this practiced twice a week by the Pharisee normally took place on Monday and Thursday. 36tn Or “I tithe.” 37tn Grk “standing”; the Greek participle has been translated as a finite verb. 38tn Grk “even lift up his eyes” (an idiom). 39tn The prayer is a humble call for forgiveness. The term for mercy (ἱλάσκομαι, Jilaskomai) is associated with the concept of a request for atonement (BDAG 473-74 s.v. 1; Ps 51:1, 3; 25:11; 34:6, 18). 40tn Grk “the sinner.” The tax collector views himself not just as any sinner but as the worst of all sinners. See ExSyn 222-23. 41sn The prayer that was heard and honored was the one given with humility; in a surprising reversal it was the tax collector who went down to his home justified. 42tn Grk “the other”; the referent (the Pharisee, v. 10) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 43sn Everyone who exalts himself. See Luke 14:11. Jesus often called for humility and condemned those who sought honor. 44tn Grk “they.” 45tn The term βρέφος (brefos) here can refer to babies or to toddlers (2:12, 16; Acts 7:19; 2 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 2:2). 46tn Grk “so that he would touch them.” Here the touch is connected with (or conveys) a blessing (cf. Mark 10:16; also BDAG 126 s.v. ἅπτω 2.c). 47tn Grk “the disciples began to scold them.” In the translation the referent has been specified as “those who brought them,” since otherwise the statement could be understood to mean that the disciples began scolding the children rather than their parents who brought them. 48tn Grk “summoned them”; the referent (the children) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 49sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus. It is a realm in which Jesus rules and to which those who trust him belong. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21. 50sn The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Children are a picture of those whose simple trust illustrates what faith is all about. The remark illustrates how everyone is important to God, even those whom others regard as insignificant. 51tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.” 52sn On receive see John 1:12. 53sn The point of the comparison receive the kingdom of God like a child has more to do with a child’s trusting spirit and willingness to be dependent and receive from others than any inherent humility the child might possess. 54tn The negation in Greek used here (οὐ μή, ou mh) is very strong. 55tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic. 56sn Only Luke states this man is a ruler (cf. the parallels in Matt 19:16-22 and Mark 10:17-22, where the questioner is described only as “someone”). He is probably a civic leader of some kind, a leader in the society. 57sn The rich man wanted to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, but Jesus had just finished teaching that eternal life was not earned but simply received (18:17). See the similar question about inheriting eternal life in Luke 10:25. 58tn Grk “And Jesus.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 59sn Jesus’ response, Why do you call me good?, was designed to cause the ruler to stop and think for a moment about who Jesus really was. The following statement No one is good except God alone seems to point the man in the direction of Jesus’ essential nature and the demands which logically follow on the man for having said it. 60sn A quotation from Exod 20:12-16 and Deut 5:16-20. Jesus cited the parts of the ten commandments that relate to how others should be treated. 61tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the ruler mentioned in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 62tn Grk “kept.” The implication of this verb is that the man has obeyed the commandments without fail throughout his life, so the adverb “wholeheartedly” has been added to the translation to bring out this nuance. 63tn Grk “these things.” The referent of the pronoun (the laws mentioned by Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.sn While the rich man was probably being sincere when he insisted I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws, he had confined his righteousness to external obedience. The rich man’s response to Jesus’ command to give away all he had revealed that internally he loved money more than God. 64sn Since my youth. Judaism regarded the age of thirteen as the age when a man would have become responsible to live by God’s commands. 65sn See Luke 14:33. 66tn The words “the money” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 67sn See Luke 1:50-53; 6:20-23; 14:12-14. 68sn The call for sacrifice comes with a promise of eternal reward: …you will have treasure in heaven. Jesus’ call is a test to see how responsive the man is to God’s direction through him. Will he walk the path God’s agent calls him to walk? For a rich person who got it right, see Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. 69tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the conversation. 70tn Grk “he”; the referent (the man) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 71tn Or “very distressed” (L&N 25.277). 72tc ‡ The phrase περίλυπον γενόμενον (perilupon genomenon, “[When Jesus saw him] becoming sad”) is found in the majority of mss (A [D] W Θ Ψ 078 Ë13 33vid Ï latt sy), and it is not unknown in Lukan style to repeat a word or phrase in adjacent passages (TCGNT 143). However, the phrase is lacking in some significant mss (א B L Ë1 579 1241 2542 co). The shorter reading is nevertheless difficult to explain if it is not original: It is possible that these witnesses omitted this phrase out of perceived redundancy from the preceding verse, although intentional omissions, especially by several and varied witnesses, are generally unlikely. NA27 places the words in brackets, indicating doubts as to their authenticity.tn Grk “him.” 73sn For the rich it is hard for wealth not to be the point of focus, as the contrast in vv. 28-30 will show, and for rich people to trust God. Wealth was not an automatic sign of blessing as far as Jesus was concerned. 74sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus. It is a realm in which Jesus rules and to which those who trust him belong. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21. 75sn The eye of a needle refers to a sewing needle, one of the smallest items one might deal with on a regular basis, in contrast to the biggest animal of the region. (The gate in Jerusalem known as “The Needle’s Eye” was built during the middle ages and was not in existence in Jesus’ day.) Jesus is saying rhetorically that this is impossible, unless God (v. 27) intervenes. 76tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of thought. 77sn The assumption is that the rich are blessed, so if they risk exclusion, who is left to be saved? 78sn The term impossible is in the emphatic position in the Greek text. God makes the impossible possible. 79tn The plural Greek term ἄνθρωποις (anqrwpois) is used here in a generic sense, referring to both men and women (cf. NASB 1995 update, “people”). Because of the contrast here between mere mortals and God (“impossible for men…possible for God”) the phrase “mere humans” has been used in the translation. 80tn Or “left our homes,” “left our possessions”; Grk “left our own things.” The word ἴδιος (idios) can refer to one’s home (including the people and possessions in it) or to one’s property or possessions. Both options are mentioned in BDAG 467 s.v. 4.b. See also I. H. Marshall, Luke (NIGTC), 688; D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1488. 81tn Grk “We have left everything we own and followed you.” Koine Greek often used paratactic structure when hypotactic was implied. 82tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 83tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 84tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.” 85tn The term “brothers” could be understood as generic here, referring to either male or female siblings. However, it is noteworthy that in the parallel passages in both Matt 19:29 and Mark 10:29, “sisters” are explicitly mentioned in the Greek text. 86sn Jesus reassures his disciples with a promise that (1) much benefit in this life (many times more) and (2) eternal life in the age to come will be given. 87tn Grk “this time” (καιρός, kairos), but for stylistic reasons this has been translated “this age” here. 88sn Note that Luke (see also Matt 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 10:25) portrays eternal life as something one receives in the age to come, unlike John, who emphasizes the possibility of receiving eternal life in the present (John 5:24). 89tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 90tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 91map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 92tn Or “fulfilled.” Jesus goes to Jerusalem by divine plan as the scripture records (Luke 2:39; 12:50; 22:37; Acts 13:29). See Luke 9:22, 44. 93sn The passive voice verb be handed over does not indicate by whom, but other passages note the Jewish leadership and betrayal (9:22, 44). 94sn See Luke 22:63; 23:11, 36. 95tn Or “and insulted.” L&N 33.390 and 88.130 note ὑβρίζω (Jubrizw) can mean either “insult” or “mistreat with insolence.” 96sn And spat on. Later Luke does not note this detail in the passion narrative in chaps. 22-23, but see Mark 14:65; 15:19; Matt 26:67; 27:30 where Jesus’ prediction is fulfilled. 97tn Traditionally, “scourge” (the term means to beat severely with a whip, L&N 19.9). BDAG 620 s.v. μαστιγόω 1. states, “Of the beating (Lat. verberatio) given those condemned to death…J 19:1; cf. Mt 20:19; Mk 10:34; Lk 18:33.” Here the term has been translated “flog…severely” to distinguish it from the term φραγελλόω (fragellow) used in Matt 27:26; Mark 15:15. 98tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to indicate the contrast present in this context. 99tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast. 100tn Grk “they”; the referent (the twelve, v. 31) has been specified in the context for clarity. 101tn Grk “And this.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated. 102sn This failure of the Twelve to grasp what Jesus meant probably does not mean that they did not understand linguistically what Jesus said, but that they could not comprehend how this could happen to him, if he was really God’s agent. The saying being hidden probably refers to God’s sovereign timing. 103tn Grk “the things having been said.” The active agent, Jesus, has been specified for clarity, and “said” has been translated as “meant” to indicate that comprehension of the significance is really in view here. 104tn Grk “Now it happened that as.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 105tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity. 106tn The phrase is “he drew near to” (19:29; 24:28). It is also possible the term merely means “is in the vicinity of.” Also possible is a reversal in the timing of the healing and Zacchaeus events for literary reasons as the blind man “sees” where the rich man with everything did not. 107map For location see Map5-B2; Map6-E1; Map7-E1; Map8-E3; Map10-A2; Map11-A1. 108tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. “They” could refer to bystanders or people in the crowd. 109tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the blind man learning that Jesus was nearby. 110tn Grk “called out, saying.” The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 111sn Jesus was more than a Nazarene to this blind person, who saw quite well that Jesus was Son of David. He understood what Luke 7:22-23 affirms. There was a tradition in Judaism that the Son of David (Solomon) had great powers of healing (Josephus, Ant. 8.2.5 [8.42-49]). 112sn Have mercy on me is a request for healing (cf. 17:13). It is not owed the man. He simply asks for God’s kind grace. 113sn That is, those who were at the front of the procession. 114tn Or “rebuked.” The crowd’s view was that surely Jesus would not be bothered with someone as unimportant as a blind beggar. 115sn Public opinion would not sway the blind man from getting Jesus’ attention. The term shouted is strong as it can be used of animal cries. 116tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the beggar’s cries. 117tn Grk “ordered him”; the referent (the blind beggar, v. 35) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 118tn Grk “he”; the referent (the beggar) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 119tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 120tn Grk “said.” 121tn Grk “Lord, that I may see [again].” The phrase can be rendered as an imperative of request, “Please, give me sight.” Since the man is not noted as having been blind from birth (as the man in John 9 was) it is likely the request is to receive back the sight he once had. 122tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 123tn Or “Regain” (see the note on the phrase “let me see again” in the previous verse). 124tn Grk “has saved you,” but in a nonsoteriological sense; the man has been delivered from his disability. 125tn Or “received” (see the note on the phrase “let me see again” in v. 41). 126tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 127sn The presence of God’s work leads again to joy, with both the beggar and the people praising God (1:64; 2:20; 5:25-26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 19:37). 128tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 129tn The word “too” has been supplied for stylistic reasons.
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