What does Luke 11:6 mean?

Explanation

Luke 11:6 is part of a parable that Jesus tells in response to one of his disciples asking him to teach them to pray, as John taught his disciples. It follows the delivery of the Lord's Prayer, illustrating the need for persistence in prayer and hospitality.

This verse falls into the broader story of a man who receives an unexpected visitor at midnight. The man has no food to offer and decides to go to a friend's house to ask for help.

The verse captures the sense of urgency and need for hospitality.

In this context, the verse presents three main elements: 1.

A friend arrives after a journey, signifying an unexpected event. 2.

The host is unprepared ("I have nothing to set before him"), indicating a lack of resources. 3.

The impending action of seeking assistance highlights the cultural value of hospitality and communal support.

It is worth noting that the deeper meaning here is not just about physical hospitality, but also about spiritual resources and the need to turn to God for sustenance and support, particularly through prayer.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, hospitality was a highly valued custom in Middle Eastern culture.

Travel was common for trade, religious pilgrimages, and various other reasons, and inns were often scarce or unsavory places.

As such, welcoming travelers into one’s home was both a duty and a sacred obligation.

The setting of the verse is at night, which underscores the urgency because the night was considered dangerous; travelers would not commonly arrive at such an hour.

Thus, the friend's request is pressing and socially compelling, as failing to provide hospitality would have been a significant breach of social norms and honor.

Theological Insights

The parable of which Luke 11:6 is a part provides various theological insights:

• The necessity of persistence in prayer, as a reflection of one's faith and trust in God's provision.
• The nature of God as one who provides for His children, which is reinforced through the ensuing verses where Jesus compares God's willingness to give good gifts to His children with earthly parents.
• The idea of spiritual readiness and reliance on God rather than on one's own resources.
• Some commentators suggest a link between the bread requested and the spiritual 'bread of life' that Jesus offers.

Practical Applications

The verse might encourage individuals to:

• Be willing to seek help from others and God when unprepared or in need, emphasizing humility and interdependence.
• Understand the value of hospitality and kindness, extending it even when it might be inconvenient or challenging.
• In the spiritual sense, it teaches believers to persist in their prayers to God, trusting that God will answer in due time.

Cross-References

• Luke 11:8-9: "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.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

• Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
• Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

Language Study

In the original Greek:

• "My friend" (φίλος / philos) indicates a close, personal relationship.
• "For a friend of mine in his journey" (ἐν διανοίᾳ / en dianoia) conveys a concept more closely related to "unexpectedly" or "he has come by unexpectedly."
• "Journey" can also be interpreted as being on a "road" or "way" (ὁδὸς / hodos), which could metaphorically translate to one's life path.
• "I have nothing to set before him" uses the word "set before" (παραθήσω / parathēsō), which suggests arranging or providing food or provisions, emphasizing the role of a host to a guest.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern culture, such as among the Greeks and Romans, hospitality was also highly esteemed.

There's a comparison to be made with the concept of "xenia" in Greek culture, where hospitality towards strangers was a sacred duty.

In religious texts like the Hebrew Bible, providing for travelers and the approach towards strangers is often mentioned (e.g., Genesis 18 where Abraham shows hospitality to three visitors).

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse does not directly intersect with modern understanding in terms of empirical data.

However, the concepts of social obligation and altruism have been studied extensively in the fields of psychology and sociology.

The social norms that dictate hospitality could be linked to the evolutionary advantages of cooperation and reciprocal altruism, where communities thrive through mutual support.

Commentaries

Commentators interpret this verse and the surrounding parable in several ways:

• William Barclay highlights the shame associated with not offering hospitality in ancient times and proposes that through prayer, we can avoid the spiritual shame of not being prepared to meet God.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament emphasizes the contrast between the reluctant friend and the ever-willingness of God to hear and answer prayers.
• Matthew Henry's commentary views this as an instruction in prayer, teaching believers to persevere even when answers seem delayed and to have confidence in God's care and provision.