The parable of the unjust judge.
Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
A widow, however, was in that city there, and she showed up before him saying, "Vindicate me from this adversary of mine.
The word translated correctly as "avenge"(KJV) and incorrectly as "grant...justice"(NIV) is specifically used to ask for a judgment in one's behalf from a judge. "Avenge" works because courts were set up to eliminate private acts of vengeance. However, "vindicate," "acquit," and "exonerate" may work better with the proposition "from." The word translated as "adversary" also has meaning specific to cases before a judge, meaning both "plaintiff" and "defendant," that is, the court opponent. It is not clear if the widow was suing the man or being sued by him.
We don't want to be either plaintiffs or defendants.
And(WW) there was a widow in that(CW) (MW) city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of(CW) mine (MW) adversary.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "and" should be something more like "but."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "that" is the common word that should be translated as "here" or "there."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "city" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "of" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "adversary" is not shown in the English translation.
And(WW) there was a widow in that(CW) (MW) town (MW) [who kept(IP)] coming(WF) to him [with the(IP)] plea(WF), ‘Grant(WW) me justice(IW) against my (MW) adversary.’
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "and" should be something more like "but."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "that" is the common word that should be translated as "here" or "there."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "city" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" after "city" is not shown in the English translation.
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "who kept" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not a participle, a verbal adjective, but a past tense, active verb, "came."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "with the" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not a noun but a verb.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "grant" should be something more like "avenge."
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "justice" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "adversary" is not shown in the English translation.
And -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "yet," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. This word doesn't mean "and."
there -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
was -- The verb "was" here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics. The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
widow -- "Widow" is an adjective that means "widowed" or more generally, "bereaved." Christ uses it as a noun.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "on," "within," "among" "by" (near), "by" (as an instrument), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. About time, it means "during the time," "in the time," "within," and "in." With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for."
that -- (CW) The word translated as "that" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." So it means "there," "here," or "then." Used a pronoun, the sense is "that one there" or "this one here."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
city; -- The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or a society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
she -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
came -- The word translated as "come" primarily means "to start out" but Jesus usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Technically, it is in the middle voice meaning the subject acts on himself. In English, this is assumed in our words "come" and "go." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. See this article for more.
unto -- The word translated as "to" has a meaning that depends on the form of it object and its verb types. Generally, it means "towards," "by reason of," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before."
him, -- The word translated as "him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, singular, masculine as a direct object of a verb or preposition.
saying, -- The word translated as "saying" is the most common word that means "to say," "to tell," and "to speak," but when used with an objective noun or pronoun, the sense is "say of" or "speak of." It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself."
Avenge -- "Avenge" is a Greek verb that means to "avenge", "punish", "decide" (a case), and "vindicate". Jesus uses it only in this story.
me -- "Me" is the regular first-person pronoun in Greek as the object of the verb or preposition.
of --- (CW) The word translated as "from" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from." It is not the word form usually translated as "of." Referring to time, it means "from," and "after."
mine -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun, "my," "me," and "mine." Usually follows the noun so, "of mine."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
adversary. -- The word translated as "adversary" primarily means an opponent in a lawsuit, but it can be used to mean opponents in general.
And -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "yet," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. This word doesn't mean "and."
there -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
was -- The verb "was" here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics. The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
widow -- "Widow" is an adjective that means "widowed" or more generally, "bereaved." Christ uses it as a noun.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "on," "within," "among" "by" (near), "by" (as an instrument), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. About time, it means "during the time," "in the time," "within," and "in." With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for."
that -- (CW) The word translated as "that" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." So it means "there," "here," or "then." Used a pronoun, the sense is "that one there" or "this one here."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
city; -- The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or a society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
missing "and" -- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
who kept -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as this phrase in the Greek source.
she -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
coming -- (WF) The word translated as "coming " primarily means "to start out" but Jesus usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Technically, it is in the middle voice meaning the subject acts on himself. In English, this is assumed in our words "come" and "go." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. See this article for more. This is not a participle, a verbal adjective, but a past tense, active verb, "came."
to -- The word translated as "to" has a meaning that depends on the form of it object and its verb types. Generally, it means "towards," "by reason of," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before."
him, -- The word translated as "him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, singular, masculine as a direct object of a verb or preposition.
with the -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as this phrase in the Greek source.
‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
plea, -- (WF) The word translated as "plea" is the most common word that means "to say," "to tell," and "to speak," but when used with an objective noun or pronoun, the sense is "say of" or "speak of." It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." This is not a noun but a verb.
Grant -- (WW) "‘Grant." is a Greek verb that means to "avenge", "punish", "decide" (a case), and "vindicate". Jesus uses it only in this story. This word doesn't precisely mean "grant justice." This word doesn't mean "grant."
me -- "Me" is the regular first-person pronoun in Greek as the object of the verb or preposition.
justice --- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
against --- The word translated as "against" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from." It is not the word form usually translated as "of." Referring to time, it means "from," and "after." Though this word doesn't mean "against," it is the English preposition we uses with "avenge" or "vindicate."
my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun, "my," "me," and "mine." Usually follows the noun so, "of mine."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
adversary. -- The word translated as "adversary" primarily means an opponent in a lawsuit, but it can be used to mean opponents in general.
χήρα [9 verses] ( adj sg fem nom ) "Widow" is from chera, which means "widow" and "bereaved."
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "But" is de which means "but," "yet," "however," and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of an indirect cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). In an "if" (εἰ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, it means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then." It can also be an explanation of cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
ἦν [614 verses] ( verb 3rd sg imperf ind act) "Was" is eimi, which means "to be," "to exist," "to be the case," of circumstance and events "to happen," and "is possible." With the possessive (genitive) object, it means "is descended from," "is the type of," "belongs to," "is made of," "is a duty of," "is at the mercy of," or " is dependent on." With an indirect (dative) object, it means "have" where the subject and object are reversed. "It is to him" becomes "it is his" or "he has it." With the preposition,"into" (εἰς), the sense is "consist of." When the verb "to be" appears early in the clause before the subject, the sense is more like "it is" or, in the plural, "there are."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with" (in the sense of nearness). With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῇ [821 verses](article sg fem dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
πόλει [26 verses](( noun sg fem dat ) "City" is polis, which means "city," "citadel," "one's city," "one's country," "community," "state," "state affairs," and "civic duties."
ἐκείνῃ [107 verses] ( adj sg fem dat ) "That" is ekeinos, which refers to that which has gone immediately before and means "the person there," "that person," "that thing," and "the nearer." However, when οὗτος and ἐκεῖνος refer to two things ἐκεῖνος, prop. belongs to the more remote, "the latter" in time, place, or thought, οὗτος belongs to the more remote, "the latter" in time, "further" in place, or thought, οὗτος to "the nearer" and "sooner. " With certain preposition, it has a specific meaning:ἐξ ἐκείνου from that time, κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνα in that place, there, μετ᾽ ἐκεῖνα afterwards.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
ἤρχετο [198 verses](verb 3rd sg imperf ind mp) "Came" is erchomai, which means "to start," "to set out," "to come," "to go," and any kind of motion. It means both "to go" on a journey and "to arrive" at a place.
πρὸς [92 verses](prep) "Unto" is from pros, which means both "from" (descent, a place)," "on the side of," and "toward." Its meaning depends on the form of its object. An indirect object (dative) implies no movement but in a fixed position. A direct object (accusative ) indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. Events may show the amount of time. In statements about time, it means "at," "near," "about," or "for" a future time. With verbs of motion, towards, to, with verbs implying previous motion, upon, against; verbs of addition "to," verbs of seeing "towards," "to face," in hostile sense, "against, " "in accusation," without any hostile "to," of various kinds of intercourse or reciprocal action "with," "at the hands of," "incurred by," "inspired by," "before" a witness, of Time, "towards," or "near," of Relation between two objects "in respect of," "touching," "in reference to," "in consequence of," "for a purpose," "in proportion," "in comparison with," of measurements of time "for," "a little past," of Numbers "up to," "about." A possessive object (genitive) indicates movement away or a position away from something, "from," "towards," "from the presence of." Events occur within a specified time. Examples of indirect object: "hard by," "near," "at," "close," "before one," "in the presence of," with verbs denoting motion towards a place "upon," "against," with a notion of clinging closely "clasped to," to express close engagement "at the point of," to express union or addition "besides," "in addition to."
αὐτὸν [124 verses](pron/adj sg masc acc) "Him" is auton, is the masculine, accusative case of the third-person, singular adjective that is used as a pronoun. Masculine pronouns can refer to things as well as people, so it can be it." The word also means "the same," and "of one's own accord." An accusative object of a preposition indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. Event may show the amount of time. However, masculine pronouns refer to masculine nouns, not just masculine people so this word can mean "it" as well as "he." As a preposition's object indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. Events may show the amount of time.
λέγουσα [264 verses](part sg pres act fem nom) "Saying" is lego, which means "to recount," "to tell over," "to say," "to speak," "to teach," "to mean," "boast of," "tell of," "recite," nominate," and "command." When used with an object is has the sense of "call by name." It has a secondary meaning "pick out," "choose for oneself," "pick up," "gather," "count," and "recount." A less common word that is spelled the same means "to lay," "to lay asleep" and "to lull asleep." This word is more about making a statement than participating in a discussion. Translating is as "stated" might distinguish it better. When two accusative objects are used, the sense is "say of him this," or "call him this." The form Jesus uses to describe his own speaking can be either indicative, "I say/tell" or subjunctive, "I should/could say/tell."
Ἐκδίκησόν [2 verses]( verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Avenge" is ekdikeo, which means to "avenge", "punish", "decide" (a case), and "vindicate".
με [49 verses](pron 1st sg fem acc) "Me" is eme, which is the objective first-person, objective, singular pronoun that means "me." As the object of a preposition, an accusative object indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement.
ἀπὸ [190 verses](prep) "Of" is apo, a preposition of separation which means "from" or "away from" from when referring to place or motion, "from" or "after" when referring to time, "from" as an origin or cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done. Referring to time, it means "from," and "after." Usually takes the genitive object. As a prefix, means "asunder," "completing," "ceasing," "back again," and "by way of abuse."
τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
ἀντιδίκου [3 verses] ( adj sg masc gen ) "Adversary" is antidikos, which means "opponent or adversary in a suit", "the defendant [primarily]," "the plaintiff," and, generally, "opponent," and "adversary."
μου [239 verses](adj sg masc gen) "My" is from mou (emou), which means "me," and "mine." It is in a possessive (genitive) form. As a genitive of a preposition here, it implies movement away from something or a position away from something else.