New Testament
Luke 11:6
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A friend of mine just showed up from a journey, and I don't have anything to offer him.'
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For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
What Luke 11:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker expresses a sense of urgency and concern for a friend who has arrived unexpectedly after a journey. The speaker feels embarrassed and inadequate because he has nothing to offer his guest. This situation highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in the time of Jesus, where providing food and shelter was a significant duty. The speaker's predicament illustrates the challenges of being prepared for unexpected visitors and the social expectations that come with friendship. The verse sets the stage for a larger teaching about prayer and persistence, as the speaker will seek help from another friend to meet the needs of his guest. This moment emphasizes the value of community and support in times of need, as well as the importance of being generous and responsive to others' needs.
How to apply Luke 11:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to be prepared to help others, especially in times of need. It reminds us of the importance of hospitality and being ready to offer support to friends and family. We should also be willing to seek help from others when we find ourselves unable to meet someone's needs.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
This is the reason given inside a story Jesus is telling. A man has gone to his neighbor at midnight to borrow three loaves of bread. Verse 6 is what he says at the door: a traveling friend has just arrived at his house, and he has no food to give him. He is not asking for himself — he is asking on behalf of his guest.
Read It in Context
Jesus is telling a short story to teach about prayer. A man's friend arrives unexpectedly in the middle of the night. The host has nothing to offer him, so he goes to another neighbor and knocks. Verse 6 is his explanation for why he is asking at such an hour. The story ends in verse 8, where Jesus says the neighbor gets up and helps — not out of friendship, but because of the man's persistence.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:6 mean?
Luke 11:6 expresses the speaker's concern for a friend who has arrived unexpectedly after a journey, highlighting the importance of hospitality. The speaker feels embarrassed for not having anything to offer, which reflects the cultural expectations of providing for guests.
What is the significance of hospitality in Luke 11:6?
Hospitality in Luke 11:6 underscores the social duty to care for guests, especially in the context of friendship. The verse illustrates the urgency and responsibility one feels to meet the needs of others, emphasizing community support.
How does Luke 11:6 relate to prayer?
Luke 11:6 connects to prayer by illustrating the need to seek help when we cannot meet someone's needs ourselves. The speaker's action of going to another friend for assistance serves as a metaphor for how we can approach God in times of need.
What themes are present in Luke 11:6?
Key themes in Luke 11:6 include hospitality, friendship, community support, and the urgency of meeting needs. The verse highlights the importance of being generous and responsive to others, as well as the value of seeking help when necessary.
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