Luke 11:8 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Though friendship will not move the neighbor, the asker's persistence will: he rises and gives him all he needs.
What Does Luke 11:8 Mean?
Jesus completes the parable. The neighbor finally gets up -- not from affection but because of the man's shameless persistence, his refusal to go away embarrassed.
The point works by contrast, not comparison. God is not a reluctant sleeper who must be worn down; the lesson is that if even importunity can open a human door, bold and persistent prayer will certainly not fail before God. Jesus dignifies the kind of praying that keeps asking without shame -- and notes that the man receives not a grudging minimum but as many as he needeth.
Luke 11:8 in the Original Language
anaideia (ἀναίδεια), 'importunity' -- shameless persistence that will not be put off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 11:8
What does Luke 11:8 mean?
Though friendship will not move the neighbor, the asker's persistence will: he rises and gives him all he needs.