King James Version

What Does Luke 11:8 Mean?

Luke 11:8 in the King James Version says “I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will r...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 11:8 · KJV

Context

6

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? in: or, out of his way

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.

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.

9

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.

10

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'holy shamelessness' (bold persistence) differ from presumption in your approach to God in prayer?
  2. What situations require you to persist in prayer even when immediate answers aren't visible?
  3. How does knowing God's eagerness (unlike the reluctant friend) free you to pray with confidence rather than anxiety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγω1 of 23

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν2 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἰ3 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ4 of 23
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ5 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δώσει6 of 23

“and give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ7 of 23

“him”

G846

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

ἀναστὰς8 of 23

“he will rise”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

διά9 of 23

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἶναι11 of 23

“he is”

G1511

to exist

αὐτῷ12 of 23

“him”

G846

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

φίλον13 of 23

“friend”

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

διά14 of 23

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

γε15 of 23

“yet”

G1065

doubtless, since

τὴν16 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀναίδειαν17 of 23

“importunity”

G335

impudence, i.e., (by implication) importunity

αὐτῷ18 of 23

“him”

G846

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

ἐγερθεὶς19 of 23

“he will”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

δώσει20 of 23

“and give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ21 of 23

“him”

G846

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

ὅσων22 of 23

“as many as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

χρῄζει23 of 23

“he needeth”

G5535

to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 32:26Colossians 4:12Luke 18:1-8Romans 15:30Matthew 15:22-282 Corinthians 12:8

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