Luke 18:8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He will avenge them speedily.— Rather suddenly; for so the original εν ταχει, may signify. Besides, scripture and experience teach, that in most cases punishment is not speedily executed against the evilworks of evil men; but that when the divine patience ends, oftentimes destruction overtaketh the wicked as a whirlwind; Psalms 73:18-20 and by its suddenness becomes the more heavy. The question at the end of the verse implies, that at the coming of Christ to avenge and deliver his faithful people, the faith of his coming should in a great measure be lost; accordingly it appears, from 2 Peter 3:4 that many infidels and apostates scoffed at the expectation of Christ's coming, which the godly in those days cherished. Instead of on the earth, the Greek would be more properly rendered in the land; for so the word Γη, very frequently signifies in the New Testament. See Acts 7:3; Acts 4:11. Some commentators read this and the foregoing verse thus; which cry day and night unto him? Though he may be slack towards them. Luke 18:8. I tell you, he will avenge them presently. But when, &c.