What does Matthew 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 17:19 captures a moment of confusion and inquiry among the disciples of Jesus.

They had just witnessed a scenario where they were unable to perform an exorcism, which was a core part of their ministry at the time.

Feeling perplexed and possibly disheartened by their failure, they approach Jesus in private to seek understanding.

They ask Him directly why they could not drive the demon out of a boy, despite their prior successes with performing miracles.

This verse sets the stage for Jesus to address matters of faith, power, and the relationship between the divine and human agency.

Historical Context

This verse is situated after an event described in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus transfigures on the mount, revealing his divine glory to a few of his disciples.

After coming down from this spiritual high point, Jesus encounters a father with a demon-possessed son.

The disciples had attempted to heal the boy but could not.

The historical context is during Jesus’ itinerant ministry in the Roman-occupied region of Galilee in the first century.

This was a time when exorcisms and miracles were seen as signs of God’s kingdom and divine authority.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse informs us about human limitations and the need for divine grace and power.

Jesus' response in the subsequent verses (Matthew 17:20-21) speaks of faith as small as a mustard seed being able to move mountains, suggesting that faith, rather than physical or intellectual capability, is paramount.

Different Christian traditions interpret this moment in various ways.

Some view it as a lesson in humility, reminding believers that spiritual power is a gift from God and cannot be wielded by human will alone. Others may see this as a call to persistent faith and prayer, often emphasizing the following verse where Jesus mentions prayer and fasting.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, this verse can be seen to advise believers to reflect on their faith when faced with challenges or failures.

It encourages self-examination and a renewed reliance on God rather than on personal strength.

There is also a practical application in the way believers approach difficulties: with humility, seeking divine guidance and assistance, recognizing that not all situations can be controlled or resolved through human efforts.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:21 - And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
• Mark 9:28-29 - And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
• Luke 17:6 - And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Language Study

Key words in this passage from the original Greek language include:

• "ἠδυνήθημεν" (ēdynēthēmen): translated as "could not," comes from the root "δυναμαι" (dunamai), meaning to be able, have power, or be potent.
• "ἐκβαλλειν" (ekballein): translated as "cast out," this is a compound word from "ek" meaning "out" and "ballō" meaning "to throw," collectively referring to the act of expelling or exorcising demons.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, exorcisms were common and not unique to Jewish or Christian traditions.

Comparable practices were found in ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Greece.

Like Jesus' followers, the efficacy of these practices was often linked to the spiritual power or authority of the practitioner.

Yet, in the Greco-Roman world, exorcists were not always seen as virtuous; some were considered charlatans.

In contrast, Jesus empowered his disciples to perform exorcisms as a testament to God's kingdom.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, what was historically labeled as demonic possession might now be understood through the lens of mental health disorders. Science suggests biological, psychological, and social factors in such cases, rather than supernatural forces.

Thus, the inability of the disciples to heal might symbolically represent the limits of their techniques and understanding, as well as the complex nature of human ailments.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse.

Notable commentaries posit:

• John Calvin viewed the disciples' inability as stemming from a deficiency in faith and a reliance on their own strength.
• Matthew Henry emphasized that this demonstrated the disciples' need for a deeper dependence on God and recognized that some spiritual battles require a more profound commitment to prayer and possibly fasting.
• William Barclay noted the importance of recognizing that faith must be accompanied by God’s power and that the disciples failed because they forgot their dependence on Him.