Matthew 17:15

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Lord {G2962}, have mercy {G1653} on my {G3450} son {G5207}: for {G3754} he is lunatick {G4583}, and {G2532} sore {G2560} vexed {G3958}: for {G1063} ofttimes {G4178} he falleth {G4098} into {G1519} the fire {G4442}, and {G2532} oft {G4178} into {G1519} the water {G5204}.

and said, "Sir, have mercy on my son, because he is an epileptic and has such terrible fits that he often falls into the fire or into the water.

“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and oft-times into the water.

Commentary

Matthew 17:15 (KJV): "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water."

Context

This poignant plea from a distressed father to Jesus occurs immediately after the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. While Jesus, Peter, James, and John were experiencing a profound revelation of Christ's glory, the other disciples remained below. Upon descending, they were met by a large crowd, among whom was this man seeking help for his son. The father had already brought his son to the disciples, but they were unable to heal him, highlighting their limitations without Jesus' direct intervention and the necessary faith. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His ultimate authority over illness and spiritual oppression, contrasting sharply with the disciples' momentary failure.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Plea for Mercy: The father's cry, "Lord, have mercy," underscores his recognition of Jesus' divine authority and compassionate nature. It is a humble appeal born out of profound suffering and a desperate need for intervention.
  • Human Suffering and Vulnerability: The vivid description of the son as "lunatick" and "sore vexed," prone to dangerous falls into fire and water, paints a picture of extreme physical and mental distress. This condition, whether severe epileptic seizures or demon-induced, highlights the devastating impact of illness and spiritual bondage on individuals and families.
  • Jesus' Compassion and Power: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the father's direct appeal to Jesus anticipates Jesus' immediate and effective response in Matthew 17:18. This demonstrates Jesus' readiness to extend mercy and His unmatched power to heal and deliver from all forms of affliction, underscoring His role as the Great Physician.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Lunatick" (Greek: selēniazomai): This term literally means "moonstruck" or "affected by the moon." In ancient times, it was commonly believed that conditions like epilepsy, mental illness, or seizures were influenced by the phases of the moon. While modern medicine understands epilepsy as a neurological disorder, the biblical account often attributes such severe symptoms, especially when accompanied by self-destructive behavior, to demon possession (as confirmed by Jesus' subsequent action in Matthew 17:18, where He rebukes the demon).
  • "Sore Vexed" (Greek: kakōs echō): This phrase conveys a state of being "badly off" or "suffering terribly." It emphasizes the severity and persistent nature of the son's affliction, beyond mere physical discomfort, suggesting deep distress and torment.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today. When faced with overwhelming challenges, suffering, or seemingly hopeless situations—whether personal, familial, or societal—we are invited to approach Jesus with the same desperate faith and humility as this father. His willingness to bring his son's severe condition directly to the Lord reminds us that no problem is too great or too complex for Christ's intervention. It reinforces the truth that Jesus is the ultimate source of healing, deliverance, and compassionate care. Our role is to cry out for His mercy and trust in His unparalleled power, even when others around us have failed to provide a solution.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:24

    And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

  • Luke 9:38

    And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

  • Luke 9:42

    And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

  • Mark 9:17

    And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

  • Mark 9:18

    And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

  • Mark 5:22

    And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

  • Mark 5:23

    And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
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