Luke 17:5

KJV

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the apostles {G652} said {G2036} unto the Lord {G2962}, Increase {G4369} our {G2254} faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The emissaries said to the Lord, “Increase our trust.”

Berean Standard Bible

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

American Standard Version

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:5 presents a pivotal moment where the apostles, confronted with the Lord's exceedingly high standards for discipleship—particularly regarding radical forgiveness and the avoidance of causing others to stumble—humbly and urgently appeal to Jesus, "Increase our faith." This concise yet profound prayer encapsulates their recognition of spiritual inadequacy in the face of divine expectation, serving as a timeless model for believers who seek deeper trust, conviction, and empowerment to live out challenging biblical commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This earnest plea from the apostles directly follows a series of profoundly challenging teachings from Jesus. In the preceding verses, Jesus issues stern warnings about the severe consequences of causing "stumbling blocks" for "little ones" ([Luke 17:1-2](/luke/17-1-2 "Luke 17:1-2 - Warnings Against Stumbling Blocks")). Immediately after, He lays down an exceptionally demanding command regarding forgiveness: disciples are to forgive a brother who sins against them, even if it occurs "seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent" ([Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - The Command to Forgive Repeatedly")). This radical call to unending, unconditional forgiveness, coupled with the gravity of spiritual responsibility, evidently overwhelmed the disciples, prompting their immediate and heartfelt cry for an increase in the very faith necessary to obey such seemingly impossible directives. Their request highlights the direct link between Jesus' demanding ethics and the spiritual capacity required to live them out.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Jewish context of the first century, the concept of "faith" (Hebrew: *emunah*, Greek: *pistis*) was deeply rooted in trust and faithfulness to God and His covenant. While the Law provided clear guidelines for justice and retribution, Jesus' teachings often transcended or reinterpreted these, pushing His followers towards a new standard of grace and radical love, particularly evident in His commands on forgiveness. The idea of forgiving someone "seven times" in a day would have been culturally revolutionary, as conventional wisdom might suggest a limit to such grace. The apostles, steeped in a culture that understood justice often in terms of "an eye for an eye," would have found Jesus' demands on forgiveness and the avoidance of causing others to stumble to be incredibly counter-cultural and humanly impossible without divine intervention. Their request for "increase" in faith reflects an understanding that such a life could not be lived by mere human will or cultural norms, but required a supernatural empowerment.
* **Key Themes:** The apostles' request in [Luke 17:5](/luke/17-5 "Luke 17:5 - Apostles Ask for More Faith") contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **radical nature of discipleship** under Jesus, where human limitations are exposed by divine expectations. Secondly, it highlights **faith as an essential prerequisite for obedience**, particularly for living out the demanding ethical standards of the Kingdom of God, such as the profound forgiveness commanded in [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiving Repeatedly"). Thirdly, it reveals the **dynamic and progressive nature of faith**, demonstrating that faith is not a static possession but a gift that can and should grow, a concept further explored in [Luke 17:6](/luke/17-6 "Luke 17:6 - Mustard Seed Faith"). Finally, it emphasizes **dependence on God for spiritual capacity**, illustrating that true spiritual growth begins with an honest acknowledgment of one's need and a humble appeal to the Lord for empowerment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to send away," this term signifies a "delegate," "ambassador of the Gospel," or "commissioner of Christ." In this context, it refers specifically to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, who were being trained for their future mission. Their request for increased faith underscores that even those specially called and empowered by Christ recognized their own spiritual limitations in the face of His divine expectations.
* **Increase (Greek, _prostíthēmi'_):** This verb literally means "to place additionally," "lay beside," "annex," or "repeat." It implies a desire for augmentation, addition, or growth of something already present. The apostles were not asking for faith *de novo* (from scratch), but for a deeper, more robust, and more effective measure of the faith they already possessed, indicating a recognition that their current level was insufficient for the demands placed upon them.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This comprehensive term encompasses "persuasion," "credence," "moral conviction," and "reliance upon Christ for salvation." It denotes not just intellectual assent but a profound trust, belief, and faithfulness. The apostles' request for "more" of this *pístis* reveals their understanding that living out Jesus' radical commands required a living, active confidence in Him and His power, far beyond mere intellectual agreement with His words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the apostles said unto the Lord,"**: This opening clause establishes the speakers as Jesus' closest disciples, those who had witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings firsthand. Their address to "the Lord" (Greek, *kýrios*) signifies their recognition of His authority and divine nature, setting the stage for a humble and dependent request. The immediate context of Jesus' challenging teachings on forgiveness and stumbling blocks directly precedes this statement, indicating that their plea is a direct response to the perceived human impossibility of His commands.
* **"Increase our faith."**: This direct and concise plea is the core of the verse. It is a recognition of spiritual need and a cry for divine empowerment. The apostles acknowledge that their current level of faith is insufficient to meet the demands of radical obedience, particularly the command for unending forgiveness. They are not asking for a new gift, but for an augmentation of an existing spiritual capacity, demonstrating both humility and a deep desire to align their lives with Christ's will. This phrase encapsulates the universal human struggle to live up to God's standards and the necessary reliance on Him for the ability to do so.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Address** and **Supplication**. The apostles directly address Jesus as "the Lord," indicating their recognition of His authority and their posture of dependence. Their statement, "Increase our faith," is a clear **Supplication** or plea, a humble request for divine intervention and empowerment. This simple, declarative sentence carries immense weight, functioning as a concise prayer. There is also an **Implied Contrast** between the human capacity for forgiveness and the divine standard set by Jesus. The apostles' request implicitly acknowledges their human inadequacy and the need for a supernatural infusion of faith to bridge this gap. The brevity and directness of their plea also lend it a sense of **Urgency**, reflecting their immediate struggle with the preceding teachings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The apostles' request in Luke 17:5 underscores a foundational theological truth: that genuine obedience to God's radical commands is not achievable through human effort alone but requires a supernatural empowerment of faith. It highlights that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active trust in God's power and faithfulness, which can be grown and deepened. This verse teaches us that recognizing our spiritual limitations and humbly asking God for more faith is a legitimate and necessary part of the spiritual journey, demonstrating a profound dependence on Christ for the very ability to live a life pleasing to Him. It implicitly connects faith to action, suggesting that increased faith directly correlates with an increased capacity for radical obedience and perseverance in discipleship.

* [Luke 17:6](/luke/17-6 "Jesus' Response about Mustard Seed Faith")
* [Mark 9:24](/mark/9-24 "Help My Unbelief")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith Pleases God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:5 offers a profound and liberating model for every believer. When faced with the seemingly impossible demands of Christian discipleship—whether it's radical forgiveness, unwavering hope in adversity, or selfless love—our natural inclination might be to despair or give up. However, the apostles' simple yet powerful prayer teaches us to turn to the Lord with honesty about our spiritual inadequacy. It reminds us that faith is not a fixed quantity, but a dynamic gift that God delights to increase when we humbly ask Him. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our limitations, confess our need for greater trust, and actively seek divine empowerment to live out God's calling. It assures us that asking for "more faith" is a prayer that aligns with God's will for our growth and transformation, enabling us to obey His commands, overcome obstacles, and live a life that truly honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific commands or situations in your life currently feel "impossible" to live out without a greater measure of faith?**
* **How does the apostles' honest plea, "Increase our faith," challenge any tendency you might have to rely solely on your own strength or willpower?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively seek an "increase" in your faith this week, beyond simply asking for it?**

### FAQ

**Why did the apostles ask for more faith immediately after Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?**

Answer: The apostles' request for increased faith came directly after Jesus delivered some of His most challenging ethical commands, particularly the command to forgive a brother "seven times in a day" if he repents ([Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - The Command to Forgive Repeatedly")). This level of radical, repeated forgiveness was humanly impossible for them to conceive or enact consistently. They recognized that living up to such a high standard required a supernatural capacity—a deeper trust and conviction in God's power to enable them. Their plea was an honest acknowledgment of their spiritual inadequacy and a humble request for the divine empowerment necessary to obey.

**Does this verse imply that faith is something we can "get more of" or that it's a static amount?**

Answer: Luke 17:5 strongly implies that faith is not a static, fixed quantity but something that can and should grow. The apostles did not ask *for* faith as if they had none, but for an *increase* or augmentation of their existing faith. This aligns with other New Testament teachings that encourage believers to grow in faith ([2 Peter 1:5-8](/2_peter/1-5-8 "2 Peter 1:5-8 - Adding to Your Faith")) and describe faith as developing from "faith to faith" ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - Righteousness by Faith")). It is a gift from God that we can cultivate through prayer, obedience, and reliance on Him, leading to deeper trust and greater capacity for discipleship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:5, with the apostles' earnest plea to "Increase our faith," finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Christ Himself. Jesus is not only the object of our faith but also the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). The very faith that the apostles sought to increase is a gift that flows from Him and is sustained by Him. When we are confronted with the seemingly impossible demands of the Kingdom, such as radical forgiveness or selfless love, our capacity to obey is found not in our own strength but in our union with Christ. He is the one who empowers us through His Spirit, enabling us to live out the very commands that felt insurmountable. Just as the apostles looked to Him for an increase, believers today look to Christ, who through His life, death, and resurrection, provides the perfect example of faith and the divine power necessary for us to walk by faith, not by sight ([2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walk by Faith, Not by Sight")), and to do all things through Him who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 12:8

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Luke 7:13

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.