Social – Scientific Interpretation of the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8) from an Honour/ Shame Perspective

Ebenezer Asibu-Dadzie Junior ORCID iD & Ernest Van Eck ORCID iD 

Issue: Vol. 12 No. 1 2026 Issue Article 1 pp.1-14
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261211 | Published online 18th February 2026.
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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The parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8) can be interpreted through a social-scientific lens, particularly from an honour/shame perspective in the context of ancient societies. In this narrative, the persistent widow represents those marginalized by societal structures, challenging the unjust authority of the judge who initially dismisses her pleas. From an honour/shame viewpoint, the widow’s relentless pursuit of justice can be seen as a reclamation of her dignity and social standing, as she defies the norms that typically silence the vulnerable. The judge, embodying the archetype of a powerful figure, ultimately succumbs to her demands not out of compassion but to avoid public shame. Thus, the parable not only underscores the importance of prayer or perseverance in seeking justice but also reflects the broader social implications of honour and shame.

Keywords: Parables, Akan, Luke 18:1-8, honour/shame, social-scientific

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Ebenezer Asibu-Dadzie Junior is a PhD Bible and Religious Studies student, with a focus on the intersection of Religion, Translation and Biblical Studies and their relevance to contemporary issues.

Ernest van Eck is the Principal and Professor of New Testament at Knox College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto, Canada. Before he came to Knox College, he was the Head of Department (New Testament and Related Literature) and Deputy Dean, Research and Postgraduate Studies (Faculty of Theology and Religion) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Asibu-Dadzie Junior, Ebenezer, and Ernest Van Eck. “Social – Scientific Interpretation of the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8) from an Honour/ Shame Perspective.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 12, no.1 (2026): 1 – 14.https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261211

© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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