Luke 11:7
And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
Original Language Analysis
ἔσωθεν
from within
G2081
ἔσωθεν
from within
Strong's:
G2081
Word #:
2 of 27
from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)
ἀποκριθεὶς
shall answer
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
shall answer
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 27
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Μή
not
G3361
Μή
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κόπους
Trouble
G2873
κόπους
Trouble
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
7 of 27
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
πάρεχε·
G3930
πάρεχε·
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
8 of 27
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύρα
the door
G2374
θύρα
the door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
11 of 27
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδία
children
G3813
παιδία
children
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
15 of 27
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
17 of 27
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοίτην
bed
G2845
κοίτην
bed
Strong's:
G2845
Word #:
21 of 27
a couch; by extension, cohabitation; by implication, the male sperm
οὐ
I cannot
G3756
οὐ
I cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
23 of 27
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἀναστὰς
rise
G450
ἀναστὰς
rise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
25 of 27
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Historical Context
Palestinian peasant homes typically had one room with a raised platform for sleeping. The entire family (sometimes including animals below) lived in tight quarters. Doors were heavy wooden bars requiring effort to unbar. Despite these inconveniences, cultural honor normally compelled immediate compliance with hospitality requests—making this refusal deliberately shocking.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this parable correct false views of God as reluctant or annoyed by persistent prayer?
- What 'excuses' do you imagine God making when prayers seem unanswered, and how does this parable address them?
- How does understanding that even a reluctant friend responds encourage you to bring bold requests to your willing Father?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed—The friend's initial refusal shocks Jesus's audience because it violates sacred hospitality norms. The Greek verb translated Trouble me not (μή μοι κόπους πάρεχε, mē moi kopous pareche) literally means 'Do not cause me troubles/labors.' This response would bring communal shame in that culture.
The excuses mount: the door is now shut (ἡ θύρα κέκλεισται, hē thyra kekleistai, perfect tense indicating completed action with ongoing state—barred and bolted), my children are with me in bed (τὰ παιδία μου μετ' ἐμοῦ εἰς τὴν κοίτην εἰσίν)—a single-room home where the whole family sleeps on a raised platform. Rising would disturb everyone. Yet verse 8 reveals that even this reluctant friend responds to persistence. The parable argues from the lesser to the greater: if a selfish human eventually gives, how much more will God, who is never reluctant, answer persistent prayer?