Commentary

What does Luke 11:7 mean?

“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 can not rise and give thee.” — Luke 11:7

Commentary Devotional Prayer

Luke 11:7 in the King James Version reads, "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."

This verse is part of a parable that Jesus tells in response to a disciple's request to teach them how to pray. The parable starts in verse 5 and goes on through verse 13. In the parable, a man goes to his friend's house at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread to give to someone who has come to his house unexpectedly. The man asks his friend for bread, but his friend initially refuses to get up, saying that the door is shut and his family is in bed. However, the man persists, and because of his persistence, his friend eventually gets up and gives him what he needs.

This parable is meant to teach the disciples about the importance of persistence in prayer. The man in the story is persistent in asking for what he needs, and because of his persistence, he receives what he asks for. Jesus uses this parable to encourage his disciples to pray consistently and persistently, trusting that God will answer their prayers.

One of the key themes of this passage is persistence in prayer. Jesus is encouraging his disciples to continue praying and not give up, even if it seems like their prayers are not being answered. The parable illustrates that persistence in prayer can lead to results, and that God wants his people to approach him with boldness and persistence in their requests.

Another theme present in this verse is the idea of the friend answering from within. The friend initially rejects the man's request, but eventually gives in to his persistence. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's response to our prayers. Sometimes it may seem like God is not answering our prayers, but if we continue to pray with faith and persistence, we will eventually receive what we ask for.

The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus has just taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer, which is a model for how to pray. He then tells the parable to illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer. The disciples are learning from Jesus how to communicate with God, and this parable serves as an important lesson in prayer.

Symbolism is also present in this verse. The shut door and the man's family being in bed represent obstacles and distractions that may hinder our prayers. The man's persistence serves as a symbol of faith and trust in God, even when it seems like our prayers are not being heard. The loaves of bread represent the provision and blessings that God gives to those who persistently seek Him in prayer.

In conclusion, Luke 11:7 in the King James Version is a powerful verse that teaches important lessons about prayer. It emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, and encourages believers to approach God with boldness and faith. The parable serves as a reminder that God hears our prayers and will answer them in His perfect timing. This passage provides inspiration and encouragement for Christians to continue praying and trusting in God, even when it seems like our prayers are not being answered.

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Luke 11:7 - "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."

"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." - Luke 11:7