What does Luke 11:7 mean?

Explanation

Luke 11:7 is a verse from the Parable of the Friend at Midnight, where Jesus teaches about persistence in prayer.

In this parable, a man goes to his friend at midnight to borrow three loaves of bread to host an unexpected guest.

The friend, already in bed with his children, is reluctant to get up but eventually does so because of the requester's shameless persistence.

The verse depicts the friend's initial refusal, emphasizing his inconvenience; however, it sets the stage for the lesson that persistence is rewarded, even when there are obstacles.

Historical Context

The Parable of the Friend at Midnight is found in the Gospel of Luke, part of the New Testament, which historians believe was written around 80-110 AD.

The scenario reflects the cultural norms of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern societies, where receiving guests was a sacred duty.

The setting also implies a typical Palestinian home, often having a single room where an entire family would sleep. The inconvenience of waking the household is significant in understanding the resistance of the man inside to provide assistance.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the parable is often interpreted as a lesson on persistent prayer.

The requestor is seen as a figure of a believer and the sleeping friend as God.

The refusal due to inconvenience can be understood as a parallel to times when one feels that their prayers are not being immediately heard or answered by God.

However, the ultimate message is that God, unlike the reluctant friend, is always willing to respond to our persistent prayers, which are offered with faith and diligence.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse serves as a reminder to be tenacious and not to give up easily when faced with challenges or delays.

It encourages believers to continue praying and to maintain faith even when God's response seems delayed or uncertain.

The principle of persistence highlighted in this verse can also be applied to other areas of life, such as personal goals, where perseverance is often key to success.

Cross-References

• Luke 18:1-7: Parable of the Persistent Widow emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer.
• Matthew 7:7-11: Jesus teaches about the readiness of God to give good things to those who ask Him.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Paul exhorts believers to "pray without ceasing."
• Revelation 3:20: Jesus stands at the door and knocks, symbolizing an invitation to open up to Him.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words such as "trouble me not" (μή μοι κόπους πάρεχε) reflect the inconvenience and bother the man inside feels at being disturbed.

"The door is now shut" (ἤδη ἡ θύρα κέκλεισται) emphasizes the finality and the notion that the day is over and the household is settled. Analyzing these phrases helps to convey the disruption the requestor is causing by coming at such a late hour.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the practice of hospitality was highly valued and even considered a moral obligation.

This parable contrasts with that cultural expectation, highlighting a situation where expected norms of hospitality are challenged by personal inconvenience.

Compared to other religious interpretations, the focus in this parable is unique to Christianity's emphasis on the personal relationship between believers and God.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives can lend insight into the psychology of persistence and the effects of consistent behavior in achieving results. Various psychological studies support the idea that persistent effort can lead to success, paralleling the message of the parable.

However, the parable itself is more focused on spiritual and moral teachings rather than empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer different insights into Luke 11:7.

Some focus on the cultural context of the parable, noting how the man's actions defy social conventions of the time, which adds to the dramatic effect.

Others comment on the nature of God being contrasted against the unwilling friend, interpreting God as always being willing to give generously to those who ask.

Some also discuss the theological implications of persistence in faith and prayer, suggesting that it reflects a trust in God's timing and goodness. Overall, this verse is widely seen as an encouragement for believers to continue seeking God with a faith that does not easily give up.