What does Matthew 17:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 17:21, found in some versions of the New Testament, reads as follows: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." This verse is often understood to mean that there are certain situations, particularly those involving spiritual warfare or demonic oppression, which require a greater level of spiritual discipline and commitment to overcome.

Prayer represents a direct appeal to God, invoking divine assistance, while fasting signifies a voluntary renunciation of physical needs and pleasures to focus one's spirit on the divine.

When combined, these practices suggest a powerful and dedicated approach to facing challenging spiritual battles.

This verse implies that some evils are so entrenched that they demand both spiritual and physical self-discipline to cast out.

Historical Context

This verse occurs within the context of an episode where Jesus' disciples fail to heal a boy possessed by a demon.

Jesus Himself heals the boy and later, in private, His disciples ask why they could not cast it out.

Here, Jesus indicates that their faith was insufficient and mentions that this kind of demon comes out only through prayer and fasting.

This passage is part of the Gospel of Matthew which was written to a primarily Jewish audience.

It takes place during the period when Jesus was actively teaching and performing miracles, highlighting the contrast between the power of Jesus and the limitations of His followers at that time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted in a few different ways.

In a traditional Christian perspective, it emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines in the life of a believer.

Some see it as a lesson on the limitations of human ability and the necessity of divine intervention.

Others interpret it more metaphorically, suggesting that "this kind" could represent not just demonic possession but any great difficulty or entrenched sin that can only be overcome by deepening one's spiritual practices and reliance on God.

There are also discussions on the nature of faith and spiritual authority, with some interpreting this event as a lesson in the strength of faith that is empowered through intimate communion with God via prayer and fasting.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse are often applied by Christians who seek to deepen their spiritual life and gain victory over personal struggles.

Many find in it a call to incorporate fasting into their spiritual disciplines, as a means of focusing prayer and submitting their physical desires to God.

It is used to encourage believers to recognize the potency of combining prayer with fasting when faced with particularly challenging situations, whether they be of a personal, relational, or communal nature.

Cross-References

• Mark 9:29: "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."
• James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

• Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
• Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"

Language Study

The Greek language of the New Testament conveys specific meanings for the key words in this verse:

• "Prayer" (προσευχῇ - proseuchē): Refers typically to prayers or supplications made to God.
• "Fasting" (νηστείᾳ - nesteia): This denotes the practice of abstaining from food (and sometimes drink) for a period of time for spiritual purposes.

These terms signify forms of devotion that direct the believer’s attention away from worldly sustenance and towards God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many religious traditions, prayer and fasting are common practices for spiritual cleansing, repentance, or supplication.

In Judaism, for instance, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, involves a 25-hour fasting period and intensive prayer.

In Islam, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in daily fasts from dawn to sunset, accompanied by special prayers called Taraweeh.

Hinduism and Buddhism also have fasting traditions associated with penance, spiritual purification, and heightened spiritual state.

The teaching of this verse of the New Testament fits within a broader religious context that recognizes fasting and prayer as means to spiritual enlightenment or divine favor.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, fasting has been shown to have various physical health benefits, such as improved metabolic health, increased longevity, and a potential reduction in the risk of certain diseases.

Psychology also acknowledges the benefits of meditative practices, which can include prayer, in reducing stress and improving mental health.

While science primarily focuses on the physical and mental effects of such practices, it seldom addresses their spiritual implications, which are the focus of Matthew 17:21.

Commentaries

Bible scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, emphasizes the need for personal holiness and spiritual readiness to combat evil.

Adam Clarke's Commentary highlights the need for faith, which should be animated by prayer and fasting, to effectively engage in spiritual warfare.

Many modern commentaries discuss the verse in the context of the disciples' lack of faith and readiness, suggesting that Jesus is teaching His disciples - and by extension, all believers - about the depth of commitment required to face the most challenging spiritual adversaries.