Luke 11:8
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δώσει
and give
G1325
δώσει
and give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 23
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀναστὰς
he will rise
G450
ἀναστὰς
he will rise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
8 of 23
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
διά
because
G1223
διά
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
φίλον
friend
G5384
φίλον
friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
13 of 23
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
διά
because
G1223
διά
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐγερθεὶς
he will
G1453
ἐγερθεὶς
he will
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
19 of 23
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
δώσει
and give
G1325
δώσει
and give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
20 of 23
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Genesis 32:26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.Romans 15:30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;Colossians 2:1For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;2 Corinthians 12:8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish prayer culture included persistent intercession (Abraham bargaining for Sodom, Jacob wrestling with God, Moses pleading for Israel). The rabbis taught that shamelessness (chutzpah) in approaching God was praiseworthy, not presumptuous—reflecting covenant relationship, not servile distance. Jesus affirms this tradition while surpassing it through Father-child intimacy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'holy shamelessness' (bold persistence) differ from presumption in your approach to God in prayer?
- What situations require you to persist in prayer even when immediate answers aren't visible?
- How does knowing God's eagerness (unlike the reluctant friend) free you to pray with confidence rather than anxiety?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth—The Greek noun ἀναίδεια (anaideia), translated importunity, literally means 'shamelessness' or 'bold persistence.' It's the audacity to keep knocking despite initial refusal. Some scholars translate it as 'persistence' or 'avoidance of shame' (the friend outside would bring shame on the household if turned away).
The parable's climax: persistence overcomes reluctance. Jesus's point is kal v'chomer (light and heavy), a rabbinical argument: if persistence works with a reluctant friend, how much more with God who is eager to give? The phrase as many as he needeth (ὅσων χρῄζει, hosōn chrēzei) indicates abundant provision beyond mere minimum—God doesn't give grudgingly but generously. This anticipates verses 9-13: ask, seek, knock—verbs in present tense implying continuous action. Persistent prayer isn't overcoming divine reluctance but aligning our hearts with God's will and timing.