The persistent widow
Luke 18:1–8FocusPrayer without losing heart
Connection to the wholeThe parable calls disciples to continue praying and connects God's vindication with the question of enduring faith.
interpretation Luke 18:34
KJVAnd they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Read it in context
The road and the blind man's appeal
Start reading at Luke 18:31 (Luke 18:31 to Luke 18:43).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus predicts what awaits Him in Jerusalem; the healing on the road contrasts persistent appeal with the disciples' incomplete understanding.
- 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
- 18:32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
- 18:33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
- 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
- 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
- 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
- 18:37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
- 18:38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
- 18:39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
- 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
- 18:41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
- 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
- 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 18:1–18:43): Jesus teaches parables to His hearers, receives children, answers a ruler, instructs the twelve privately, and responds to a blind beggar near Jericho. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The road and the blind man's appeal. Read Luke 18:31 through Luke 18:43 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus predicts what awaits Him in Jerusalem; the healing on the road contrasts persistent appeal with the disciples' incomplete understanding. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The road and the blind man's appeal (Luke 18:31 to Luke 18:43). Start reading at Luke 18:31. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 18:31, Luke 18:43, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus foretells His death on the road to Jerusalem
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- And they understood none of these things:… Luke 2:50 Luke 9:45 Luke 24:25,45 Mark 9:32 John 10:6 John 12:16 John 16:1-19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 18
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The Pharisee, publican, and children
Luke 18:9–17FocusHumility in approaching God
Connection to the wholeThe prayer contrast and reception of children challenge self-righteousness and status as grounds for entering God's kingdom.
interpretation The rich ruler
Luke 18:18–30FocusPossessions and following
Connection to the wholeThe ruler's response reveals a barrier to discipleship, leading to teaching on God's ability and the disciples' sacrifice.
interpretation FocusSuffering foretold and mercy sought
Connection to the wholeJesus predicts what awaits Him in Jerusalem; the healing on the road contrasts persistent appeal with the disciples' incomplete understanding.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.