What does Luke 11:8 mean?

Explanation

Luke 11:8 is a part of a larger passage in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus is teaching about the importance of persistence in prayer.

In the immediate context, Jesus tells a parable of a man who goes to a friend at midnight to borrow three loaves of bread to entertain an unexpected guest.

Though the friend does not want to get up due to the inconvenience at such a late hour, Jesus notes that the man's persistence (the term "importunity" in KJV refers to persistence or insistence) will eventually make the friend give in and provide the bread.

The verse underscores the idea that persistence in seeking help or a response, even if initially faced with reluctance or refusal, can lead to a favorable outcome.

It suggests that there is value in being tenacious and not giving up easily.

While on the surface the verse seems to imply a somewhat reluctant response from God to prayer, it actually conveys the opposite: it is encouraging believers to be persistent in prayer because God is more willing and generous than the sleepy friend.

Historical Context

This verse was written in a time when hospitality was a central element of social life in the Near Eastern world. The culture placed high importance on being prepared to receive and serve guests regardless of the time of day or night.

Additionally, the community lived closely together and one's standing in the community was of great importance.

Within this context, the story Jesus uses would have resonated strongly with his listeners, as they would comprehend the urgency of the request and the shame associated with not being able to provide for a guest. It also illuminates the norms of asking for and receiving help within a community.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is interpreted in different ways:

• God’s Willingness to Answer Prayer: Some theologians emphasize that the verse indicates God’s readiness to answer prayers, not based on our merit or friendship with Him, but because of our persistence.
• The Nature of Prayer: Others focus on the nature of prayer itself, suggesting that persistence is a key component which expresses faith and trust in God.
• Human Persistence vs. Divine Generosity: There's also a viewpoint contrasting human reluctance with divine generosity.

While a human friend may provide help begrudgingly, God is portrayed as ultimately generous and loving, even to the point of inconvenience.

Practical Applications

• Persistence in Prayer: Followers are encouraged to persist in their prayers, knowing that God hears and responds, even if not always in the ways or timing we expect.
• Trust in Divine Timing: Believers can take from this that they should trust in God's timing and providence, maintaining their requests before God while also seeking His will.
• Community Support: This verse can also serve as motivation for individuals to support one another, reflecting the willingness to help despite inconvenience.

Cross-References

• Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow, another example encouraging persistence in prayer.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing," which emphasizes continual, persistent prayer.
• Matthew 7:7-11 - The teaching on asking, seeking, and knocking and the goodness of God in giving to His children.

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text for this verse is "ἀναίδεια" (anaideia), which is translated as "importunity" in the KJV.

It can be understood as "shamelessness" or "persistence without concern for embarrassment." It implies an urgent and bold request, without giving up despite potential inconvenience or rejection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman mythology, gods could be petitioned through constant entreaties and offerings. Unlike the God of the Bible, these deities were often seen as capricious and had to be appeased diligently.

In other religious traditions, such as Islam, continual prayer (du'a) is also emphasized, with an understanding that the divine response may test one's persistence and sincerity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology can provide insight into the human aspects of persistent behavior.

Psychological resilience and the concept of "grit" have been studied extensively, and findings suggest that persistence is a significant factor in achieving goals, which could be seen as analogous to the persistence in prayer advocated in this verse.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests the friend in the parable represents God, who never denies us unjustly, but sometimes delays to test our faith and quicken our prayers.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament indicates that the primary lesson of the parable may be about God's willingness to meet human needs and the necessity of persistence in prayer.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series emphasizes the contrast between the begrudging friend and God's generous nature and readiness to answer prayer.