The Bible verse Luke 11:5-8 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 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. 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."

This passage comes as part of a larger discourse by Jesus in which he is teaching his disciples about prayer. He uses a parable to illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer.

First, we must understand the context in which this passage occurs. Jesus had been praying, and when he finished, one of his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. This leads into the Lord's Prayer, which is a widely known and recited prayer among Christians. After teaching them the Lord's Prayer, Jesus goes on to further instruct his disciples about the nature of prayer.

The parable begins with a scenario in which someone goes to their friend's house at midnight to ask for a favor. In this case, the favor is asking for three loaves of bread to provide for another visitor who has arrived unexpectedly. The person is in a desperate situation and has no other options but to turn to their friend for help. The friend, however, is initially unwilling to assist because he and his family are already in bed and it would cause a disruption to get up and give the bread. But because of the man's persistence and determination, the friend eventually gives him what he needs.

The main theme of this passage is the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus is teaching his disciples that they should not give up easily when praying to God. The parable illustrates that even if a friend is initially reluctant to help, if someone persists in their request, they may eventually receive what they are asking for. This is an encouragement for believers to continue to pray and not lose heart, even when it seems like God may not be answering their prayers.

Another important theme in this passage is the concept of God as a loving and generous father. Jesus uses the example of the earthly friend ultimately giving what was asked for to illustrate that if even a seemingly reluctant friend would eventually come through, then how much more would God, who is loving and caring, provide for his children when they ask of him.

The parable also serves as a reminder of the importance of having a relationship with God. Just as the man went to his friend in need, we are encouraged to go to God in prayer, not just in times of desperation, but as a way of maintaining communication and intimacy with Him.

In terms of symbolism, the three loaves of bread can also be seen as representing the provision and sustenance that God provides for his people. Bread is a basic staple of life and throughout the Bible, it is often used as a symbol of God's care and provision for His children.

Overall, this passage from Luke 11:5-8 in the King James Version is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistent prayer, the nature of God as a loving and caring father, and the provision and sustenance that He offers to His children. It is a call to all believers to continue to seek God in prayer, trusting that He hears and will ultimately answer according to His will.