Luke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself,

Spoken to
Apostles

The parable of the unjust judge. 

KJV

Luke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

NIV

Luke 18:4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,

LISTENERS HEARD

And he didn't consent for a time after these things, however, he said within himself, "Even though I do not fear the Divine nor do I respect man. 

LOST IN TRANSLATION

The word translated as "would" and with the negative as "refused" expresses a want but here, in a court setting, the word "consent" works better. 

This verse uses a number of common sayings that we say a differently in English. The "for a while" and "for some time" literally says "for a time." The words translated as "afterward" and "finally" means "after these things." The "within himself" is usually said as "to himself" in English.

MY TAKE

Even those not caring about God or man think they have standards.

GREEK ORDER

 

καὶ   οὐκ     ἤθελεν        ἐπὶ   χρόνον, μετὰ ταῦτα           δὲ            εἶπεν    ἐν      ἑαυτῷ 
And didn't  he consent for a time       after these things, however, he said within himself, 

Εἰ           καὶ  τὸν θεὸν   οὐ   φοβοῦμαι οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐντρέπομαι,
though Even the Divine not  I do fear   nor   man            do I respect man. 

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES
3

And he would not for a while: but afterward (MW) he said within himself, Though I fear not (MW) God, nor regard man;

  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "these things."  after "afterward" is not shown in the English translation. 
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "God" is not shown in the English translation. 
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES
10

(MW) For some(IW) time he refused(WW). But finally(CW) (MW) he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear (MW) God or(CW) care what(IW) people(WN) think(IW),

  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and"  at the beginning of the sentence is not shown in the English translation. 
  • IW - Inserted Word-- The "some" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WW --Wrong Word --  This word is not that word that mean "refused." 
  • CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "finally."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "these things"  after "finally" is not shown in the English translation. 
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "God" is not shown in the English translation. 
  • CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "or."
  • IW - Inserted Word-- The "what" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WN  --Wrong Number- The word "people" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
  • IW - Inserted Word-- The "thought" doesn't exist in the source.
EACH WORD of KJV

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."

 he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

would -- The Greek word translated as "would " expresses consent and even delight in doing something. It is not the same as the helper verb "will" in English. This word also means "to consent" and "to be resolved to a purpose." As a participle, it can mean "willingly" and "gladly." 

not - The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. 

for  -- The word translated as "for" means "on," "over," "upon," "for,"  "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of."

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.

while: - The word translated as "while" means "time," "period," "date," "lifetime," "age," "season," "delay," and "tense." Jesus often uses in the general sense of "interval."

 but  -- 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. 

afterward - -- "Afterward" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of." It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.

missing "these things"  -- (MW) The untranslated word  It is often used in the neuter plural without a noun to refer to "these things."

 he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

said - The word translated as "said" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.

 within -- The word translated as "within" 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." 

himself, -- "Himself" is a special reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," and so on. " When used in the possessive, it has the sense of "his own."

 Though -- "Though" is from two Greek words meaning "if also."  The "if" with  indicative verbs to express conditions "if" (implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether. With verbs of possibility to implied repeated condition or a vivid future one. "It also means "if ever" and "whenever." When citing a fact  the sense is more  "whether," "since" or "as sure as. The Greek word translated as "also" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.

fear -- "Fear" is translated from a Greek word that means "to terrify" and "to put to flight," but in the passive, it means to be put to flight and be frightened. When applied to people, it means to "be in awe of" or "dread." It is not a command, as you would think from the KJV.

not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. 

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. 

 God, -- The word translated as "God" means "God" and "deity." When used by Jesus and in the Septuagint to mean "God, it is introduced with an article, so "the God," "the Divine" or "the divine one." The definite article identifies it as specific.  When a definite article does not introduce it, it refers more generally to "divinity," the nature of God. 

nor -- The Greek word for "nor" is is an adverb that means "not at all" or "no even" and, literally, "not, however." As a conjunction, it works as both parts of the "neither/nor" constructions.

 regard  --The word translated as "regarded means "to turn [something] about", "to make one turn," and, as a metaphor, for "putting one to shame." In its middle passive form (used here), it means "to turn [yourself] about", "to be turned around within," "to feel misgivings", "to hesitate", "to give heed", "to respect," and "to reverence." 

man; - The Greek word for "man" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples." 

 

 

EACH WORD of NIV

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."

For -- The word translated as "for" means "on," "over," "upon," "for,"  "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of."

 some -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source

 time: - The word translated as "time" means "time," "period," "date," "lifetime," "age," "season," "delay," and "tense." Jesus often uses in the general sense of "interval."

 he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

refused -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "refused" is from two Greek words meaning "did not consent." The first is a verb that expresses consent and even delight in doing something. This word also means "to consent" and "to be resolved to a purpose." The second word. This word is not that word that mean "refused."  

But  -- 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. 

finally - -- (CW) "Finally" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of." It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit. Here, it refers to "after" a time. This is not the word usually translated as "finally." 

missing "these things"  -- (MW) The untranslated word  It is often used in the neuter plural without a noun to refer to "these things."

 he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

said - The word translated as "said" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.

 to -- The word translated as "to" 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." But in English we more commonly refer to someone speaking "to" himself.

himself, -- "Himself" is a special reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," and so on. " When used in the possessive, it has the sense of "his own."

 ‘Even -- The Greek word translated as "even" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

 though -- "Though" is from a conjunction meaning "if" (implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether. With verbs of possibility to implied repeated condition or a vivid future one. "It also means "if ever" and "whenever." When citing a fact  the sense is more  "whether," "since" or "as sure as."

I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.

do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.

n’t  -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. 

fear -- "Fear" is translated from a Greek word that means "to terrify" and "to put to flight," but in the passive, it means to be put to flight and be frightened. When applied to people, it means to "be in awe of" or "dread." It is not a command, as you would think from the KJV.

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. 

 God, -- The word translated as "God" means "God" and "deity." When used by Jesus and in the Septuagint to mean "God, it is introduced with an article, so "the God," "the Divine" or "the divine one." The definite article identifies it as specific.  When a definite article does not introduce it, it refers more generally to "divinity," the nature of God. 

or -- (CW) The Greek word for "or" is is an adverb that means "not at all" or "no even" and, literally, "not, however." As a conjunction, it works as both parts of the "neither/nor" constructions. This is not the word usually translated as "or." 

 care --The word translated as "regarded means "to turn [something] about", "to make one turn," and, as a metaphor, for "putting one to shame." In its middle passive form (used here), it means "to turn [yourself] about", "to be turned around within," "to feel misgivings", "to hesitate", "to give heed", "to respect," and "to reverence." 

what -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.

 people   -- (WN) The Greek word for "people" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples." This word is not plural but singular. 

think. -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source

 

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV

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."

οὐκ [269 verses](adv) "Not" is ou , the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences.  The negative, οὐ, denies, is absolute, and objective. -

ἤθελεν [64 verses](verb 3rd sg imperf ind act) "He would" is thelo, which as a verb means "to be willing (of consent rather than desire)," "to wish," "to ordain," "to decree," "to be resolved to a purpose" "to maintain," "to hold," "to delight in, and "will (too express a future event with inanimate objects)." It is a prolonged form (only found in NT) of a verb that means "to be resolved to a purpose" so, in a sense, "to decide," and "to desire." As a participle, it means "being willing" or, adverbially, "willingly," and "gladly." In the Hebrew, "will" or "desire" is chaphets, which means "to delight in," "to take pleasure in," and "to be pleased with."

ἐπὶ [138 verses](prep) "For" is from epi , which means "on," "upon," "at," "by," "before," "across," "for," and "against." With a noun in the possessive, genitive, it means "upon," "on" but not necessarily of Place, "by (of persons)," "deep (with numbers)," "in the presence of," "towards," "in the time of," and "over (referring to a person of authority)." With a noun indirect object, dative, it means of place: "upon," "on," or "over," of people: "against (in a hostile sense)," regarding a situation: "towards" or "in reference to," of an accumulation: "upon," "after," "addition to," and "besides," of position: "after," "behind," "in dependence upon," and "in the power of," of time: "by," and "after," and. in a causal sense: "of the occasion or cause," "for" a person, an end, or purpose," "on condition that," and "for" (a price).  With the objective noun, an accusative, it means of place: "upon or on to a height," "up to," "as far as," "a little way," "a little," "towards," "to," in hostile sense: "against," of extension: "over," "over (a space)," of time: "for," "during," "up to" or "till," in a causal sense: "of (the object)," for (this purpose)," "as regards,"after," "according to," and "by (this cause)." With verbs of perceiving, observing, and judging, it means "in the case of."

χρόνον [9 verses](noun sg masc acc) "A while" is chronos, which means "time," "a definite period of time," "period," "date," "term," "lifetime," "age," "season," "delay," and "tense." 

μετὰ [103 verses](prep) Untranslated is meta, which means "with," "in the midst of," "among," "between," "in common," "along with," "by the aid of," "in one's dealings with," "into the middle of," "coming into," "in pursuit of," "after," "behind," "according to,"  "after," "behind,"  and "next afterward." With genitive,  it means generally, "with," "together with," "in the midst of," "among," "between." "in common," "along with," "by the aid of," and "in conjunction with." With genitive,  with pl. Nouns "in the midst of," "among," "between," " in common," "along with", of things, "in conjunction with,"  rarely of Time, "during ."With dative, "between," "among," "in company with," with a number "complete," and "over and above." generally, "among," "between,"  with both indirect (dative) and direct (accusative) object. With direct objects:  of motion, "into the middle of," "coming into or among," esp. where a number of persons is implied, in pursuit or quest of, of persons, "to go after," "in quest of," of sequence or succession,  of Place, "after," "behind," "on the far side of," of Time, "after," "next to," in order of Worth, Rank, etc., "next after," "following," "to be inferior to."  As a prefix, it means "of community," "in common with another,"  "in the midst of," "succession of time," "pursuit," "letting go," "after, behind," and "reversely." -- "With" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of." It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.

ταῦτα [96 verses](adj pl neut acc) "Afterward" is tauta, which is a referring pronoun meaning "these," "this," "that," and "here." It can mean the nearer or the further depending on usage. When ταῦτα and ἐκεῖνος refer to two things ἐκεῖνος, which normally means "the nearer" as well belongs to the more remote, "the latter" in time, place, or thought, οὗτος to "the nearer".

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."

εἶπεν [162 verses]  (verb 3rd sg aor ind act) "Said" is eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer."  This is the second most common word Jesus uses for this idea. The other word is used more for discussion. Perhaps translating it consistently as "tell" would work. 

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."  

ἑαυτῷ [75 verses]( adj sg masc dat ) "Himself"  is heautou, is a reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," "itself" "themselves," and "ourselves." It is not the common pronoun meaning simply "he," "she," "them," etc. In the genitive form, it has the sense of "his own."

Εἰ [90 verses](conj) "Although" is ei, which is the particle used to express conditions "if" (with the indicative, implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether." With the subjunctive and a result (apodosis) indicates a repeated action or a vivid future action.  It also means "if ever," "in case," and "whenever." In citing a fact, it can mean "as sure as" or "since."  It is combined with various conjunctions to create derivative conditions. When appearing as εἰ δὲ (literally, "if however") the sense is "if this...then that." The construction εἰ δὲ μή . . means "otherwise." The construction  εἰ οὖν has the sense of "if so." However, it is also used to express a wish. After verbs of wonder, delight, indignation, disappointment, contentment, and similar emotions, it is use instead of ὅτι, to express the object of the feeling in a hypothetical form, "that" with the indicative (not subjunctive). After ὅτι, it introduces a quotation where we use quotation marks. With the future tense, it is used for emphasis, a warning, or an intention.  When this word is paired with the conjunction translated as "but" or "however," the structure works like an "if then" statement in English.  With verbs of desire and emotion and the indicative in the second clause, the sense is "that." With an imperative, it is used to express a wish. The sense is "I wish that." With the future tense indicative, it is used for emphasis, a warning, or an intention. The emphasis clause is after the main statement.

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "Although" 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." Εἰ καὶ means "although." 

τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc acc)  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."  -- 

θεὸν [144 verses] ( noun sg masc acc ) "God" is theos, which means "God," "divine," and "Deity." 

οὐ  [269 verses](adv) "Not" is ou , the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences.  The negative, οὐ, denies, is absolute, and objective. 

φοβοῦμαι [19 verses] ( verb 1st sg pres ind mp ) "Fear" is phobeo, which means to "put to flight." "terrify," "alarm," "frighten," and in the passive, "be put to flight," "be seized with fear," be frightened," "stand in awe of" (of persons)," "dread (of persons)," and "fear or fear about something." 

οὐδὲ [51 verses](partic) "Neither" is oude, which, as a conjunction, means "but not," "neither," and "nor." As an adverb that means "not at all" or "no even" and, literally, "not, however."

ἄνθρωπον [209 verses](noun sg masc acc) "Man" is anthropos, which is "man," and, in plural, "mankind." It also means "humanity" and that which is human and opposed to that which is animal or inanimate. Used as a form of address, it is a bit contemptuous, "sir." 

ἐντρέπομαι, [4 verses]( verb 1st sg pres ind mp ) "Regarding"  is entrepo, which means "to turn [something] about", "to make one turn," and, as a metaphor, for "putting one to shame." In its passive form (used here), it means "to turn [yourself] about", "to be turned around within," "to feel misgivings", "to hesitate", "to give heed", "to respect," and "to reverence."

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