The the Persistent Widow: Neville Goddard’s Parable Interpretation
The Biblical Parable
A source-grounded study of Neville Goddard’s psychological interpretation of The the Persistent Widow, consolidated from 3 original lectures and books.
Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Neville’s Interpretation
This parable further emphasizes the necessity of persistence in prayer and assumption. The widow's continuous, unwavering request, despite the judge's initial indifference, ultimately compels him to grant her desire. It teaches not to lose heart but to maintain the assumption until it is realized.
— Brazen Impudence
The parable illustrates the power of persistence in prayer and imaginative desire. The 'constable' or 'unjust judge' represents the external world or even aspects of one's own mind that initially resist, but are ultimately compelled to yield to unwavering, persistent imaginative pressure.
— Christ In Man
This parable teaches the absolute necessity of persistence in prayer. The widow represents the persistent individual, and the judge, though unrighteous, yields to her continuous coming, symbolizing that unwavering assumption of the wish fulfilled will inevitably bring about its manifestation.
— The Secret Of Prayer
Characters as States
widow: The individual praying/imagining, representing persistent desire.
unjust judge: The external world or the initial resistance to the desired state.
vindication: The desired manifestation or fulfillment.
continual coming: The persistent, unwavering assumption of the wish fulfilled.
Woman/Widow: Represents the persistent desire or the individual's unwavering imaginative act.
Constable/Unjust Judge: Represents the external reality, the logical mind, or any resistance that initially seems indifferent or unwilling, but eventually yields to persistence.
Widow: The persistent individual, representing the unwavering assumption of the wish fulfilled.
Judge: The external reality or the subconscious mind, which eventually yields to persistent inner conviction.
Practical Meaning
- Maintain unwavering persistence in your imaginal acts and assumptions, refusing to give up or lose heart, knowing that continuous application will eventually compel the manifestation.
- This parable teaches that one must persist in their imaginative acts and desires, regardless of initial resistance or apparent lack of results, as persistence will eventually compel the manifestation of the desired outcome.
- To manifest a desire, one must persist in their assumption of the wish fulfilled, continuously returning to the feeling of having it, until the external world conforms to this inner state.
Complete Sources
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