Cross Mission Media

In the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8), the judge does not withhold something the woman already deserved by merit or right—rather, he delays giving her justice that she was entitled to under the law.

So, yes, the unjust judge withheld something she deserved: justice.

Here’s the breakdown:

The widow was seeking legal protection from her adversary—something she had a right to under the law. The judge “neither feared God nor respected man” (v.2), meaning he had no moral or ethical reason to help her. He only grants her request because of her persistence—not because it was the right thing to do. Jesus uses this story to contrast God’s character: if an unjust judge will eventually grant justice, how much more will God, who is perfectly just and loving, respond to the cries of His people?

So the point is:

Yes, the judge unjustly withheld justice that she was due—but God never does that. He responds speedily to His elect who cry out to Him day and night. (Luke 18:7-8)