Luke 17:5
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
4 of 9
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
unto the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
unto the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 9
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Mark 9:24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;Mark 6:30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.Luke 7:13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Historical Context
Mustard seeds were proverbially tiny (see Luke 13:19). Sycamine trees (black mulberry) had deep root systems, making them difficult to uproot—hence the illustration's power. Jesus' teaching on faith's power appears throughout the Gospels (Matthew 17:20, 21:21, Mark 11:22-24), emphasizing prayer's effectiveness through trust in God. The disciples' request for increased faith reveals their misunderstanding—they sought something to add to themselves rather than recognizing faith as simple trust in God's character and promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching about faith's quality versus quantity challenge contemporary emphasis on strong versus weak faith?
- What would change in your prayer life if you truly believed that small faith in a great God can move mountains?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The apostles respond: 'Lord, Increase our faith' (Κύριε, πρόσθες ἡμῖν πίστιν). Jesus' demanding teachings on forgiveness (vv.3-4) prompt this request. The verb 'prostithēmi' (πρόσθες, increase/add to) assumes faith is quantifiable. Jesus corrects this misunderstanding: faith's power is not its size but its object. 'If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed' (v.6)—the smallest seed—'ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up...and it should obey you.' The point is not faith's amount but its focus: even tiny faith in the omnipotent God accomplishes impossibilities. The disciples seek more faith; Jesus says use the faith you have.