What does Luke 18:5 mean?
In Jesus' parable of the persistent widow, an unqualified judge refuses to honor God or respect people. The man has no interest in giving a widow the protection she is owed by law. Unfortunately for him, the widow will not take no for an answer. She continues to demand what she is due. Finally, just to relieve his own irritation, he relents and allows her case to proceed."Justice" in this context implies two things. First is the sense of the widow getting what she is owed: an opportunity to present her case under the established law. The second is the idea of her adversary being punished. The duplication of "keeps bothering" and "her continual coming" emphasize that the judge is not convicted by the fact he's disobeying God and refusing to do his job. He just wants her to go away.
This parable comes on the heels of Jesus' description of the events surrounding His second coming. At that time, He will judge the world. His arrival will be obvious, but people will not be prepared. Like the widow, it is the expectant who will see God move (Luke 17:24–37).
Jesus contrasts this heartless judge with God the Father: "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?" (Luke 18:7). God is not a corrupt man who refuses to give justice. He will act. To us, it may seem like a long delay, but what He has promised He will fulfill.
