Luke 11:6
For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
Original Language Analysis
φίλος
a friend
G5384
φίλος
a friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
2 of 14
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
παρεγένετο
is come
G3854
παρεγένετο
is come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
4 of 14
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
ἐξ
in
G1537
ἐξ
in
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ὁδοῦ
his journey
G3598
ὁδοῦ
his journey
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
6 of 14
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
πρός
to
G4314
πρός
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
nothing
G3756
οὐκ
nothing
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
10 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian villages functioned as extended families sharing resources. Baking bread was done communally or daily. Homes rarely stored surplus; if unexpected guests arrived after evening meals, neighbors were expected to share. This communal interdependence mirrors the church's mutual dependence and God's design for His people.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you experienced spiritual poverty ('nothing to set before') that drove you to desperate prayer?
- How does recognizing your inability to meet others' needs in your own strength lead you to God as the source?
- What 'unexpected guests' (opportunities, challenges) has God brought into your life requiring resources only He can provide?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him—The explanation reveals the desperation: a traveling friend (φίλος, philos) has arrived unexpectedly in his journey (ἐξ ὁδοῦ, ex hodou, literally 'from the road'). Ancient travel was dangerous and unpredictable; travelers often arrived at odd hours seeking shelter.
The phrase I have nothing to set before him (οὐκ ἔχω ὃ παραθήσω αὐτῷ, ouk echō ho parathēsō autō) expresses not mere inconvenience but social crisis. The verb parathēsō (to set before, serve) implies proper hospitality, not grudging provision. Cultural honor demanded adequate food presentation. The man's poverty—having no bread at midnight—required dependence on neighborly generosity. This pictures the believer's spiritual poverty apart from God's provision, yet confidence that the Father delights to supply what we cannot produce ourselves.