New Testament
Luke 11:8
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I tell you, even if he won't get up and give him anything because they are friends, he will get up and give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
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I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
What Luke 11:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the power of persistence in prayer. He uses the example of a man who goes to his friend at midnight asking for bread. Even though the friend may not want to help simply because they are friends, he will eventually respond due to the man's relentless asking. This illustrates that God, like the friend, may not always respond immediately, but our persistent prayers can lead to answers. The emphasis is on the importance of not giving up when seeking help or guidance from God. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence and determination, trusting that their needs will be met in due time. This parable reassures us that our requests are heard, and persistence can lead to divine intervention.
How to apply Luke 11:8 to your life
When facing challenges or needs, don't hesitate to bring them to God repeatedly. Just as the man in the parable was persistent, we should approach God with our requests, trusting that He hears us. This encourages a deeper relationship with God through consistent prayer and reliance on His provision.
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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
Jesus says the sleeping neighbor will get up and give the bread — not because of friendship, but because of the visitor's "importunity." That word points to bold, stubborn knocking that will not stop. The neighbor gives in just to end the repeated asking. Persistent asking gets results even from an unwilling person.
Read It in Context
Jesus is teaching His disciples about prayer. A man's friend arrives at midnight needing food. He goes to a neighbor and knocks. The neighbor refuses — it is late, the door is shut, the family is in bed. Verse 8 is the turning point. Verse 9 then applies it: "Ask, and it shall be given you."
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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 11:8 mean?
Luke 11:8 illustrates the importance of persistence in prayer. It shows that even if a friend is reluctant to help, persistent requests can lead to a positive response, emphasizing that God also responds to our unwavering prayers.
What is the meaning of importunity in Luke 11:8?
Importunity in Luke 11:8 refers to the quality of being persistent and urgent in making requests. It highlights how relentless asking can lead to receiving help, similar to how God responds to our persistent prayers.
How does Luke 11:8 relate to prayer?
Luke 11:8 emphasizes that persistence in prayer is crucial. It encourages believers to keep asking God for help, trusting that their prayers will eventually be answered, just as the friend's request was fulfilled.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 11:8?
The lesson from Luke 11:8 is to be persistent in our prayers and requests to God. It reassures us that our continuous efforts in seeking help will be acknowledged and answered in due time.
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