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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:15 captures the desperate plea of a father to Jesus, seeking compassion and healing for his severely afflicted son. The father describes his son's condition as "lunatick" and "sore vexed," detailing life-threatening symptoms such as frequently falling into fire and water. This poignant appeal highlights the profound suffering caused by illness and spiritual oppression, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine authority and compassionate power in a situation where His disciples had previously failed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the glorious event of [the Transfiguration](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain. While Jesus and these three disciples were on the mountain, the other disciples remained below, attempting to minister to the crowds. Upon descending, Jesus is met by a large crowd and this distressed father, whose son the remaining disciples had been unable to heal. This narrative juxtaposition starkly contrasts the sublime revelation of Christ's glory with the grim reality of human suffering and the disciples' spiritual limitations, thereby emphasizing Jesus' unique authority and power as He steps back into the world's brokenness. The father's plea directly precedes Jesus' rebuke of the demon and the subsequent healing of the boy, as recorded in [Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Matthew 17:18 - Jesus Heals the Demoniac Boy"), and a crucial teaching on faith and prayer in [Matthew 17:19-21](/matthew/17-19-21 "Matthew 17:19-21 - Faith and Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, severe physical and mental ailments, particularly those involving seizures, self-destructive behavior, or periods of irrationality, were often attributed to demonic possession or divine judgment. The term "lunatick" (Greek _selēniazomai_) reflects a common ancient belief that such conditions were influenced by the phases of the moon, though the biblical text, especially in parallel accounts like [Mark 9:14-29](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus Heals a Boy with an Impure Spirit"), clarifies that this particular case was indeed caused by a demon. Medical understanding was rudimentary, and the community's primary recourse for such severe and inexplicable conditions was often spiritual intervention. The father's action of bringing his son to the disciples first, and then to Jesus, reflects the common practice of seeking healing from spiritual authorities, especially those known for miraculous powers. The public nature of this encounter, immediately after Jesus' descent from the mountain, also underscores the societal expectation of divine intervention in times of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:15 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Human Suffering and Desperation**, vividly portraying the devastating impact of illness and spiritual bondage on individuals and families, and the profound need for divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights the **Authority and Compassion of Jesus**, as the father's plea acknowledges Jesus' unique ability to bring healing and deliverance where others have failed, underscoring His role as the Great Physician. This event, particularly when viewed alongside the disciples' inability to heal, also develops the theme of **Faith and Discipleship**, revealing the limitations of human effort without genuine faith and reliance on God's power, a point Jesus directly addresses in [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - The Power of Faith"). Finally, the narrative foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over all forms of evil and suffering, aligning with the broader theme of the **Establishment of God's Kingdom** through Christ's power and presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term signifies supreme authority and mastery. When the father addresses Jesus as "Lord," he is not merely using a polite form of address but recognizing Jesus' preeminent status and power, acknowledging Him as one who possesses the authority to intervene in such a desperate situation. It is a title of respect, reverence, and often, an implicit recognition of divine or messianic authority.
* **mercy (Greek, _eleéō_):** This word means to compassionate, to show pity, or to have mercy, often by word or deed. It encompasses both a feeling of deep sympathy and the active expression of that sympathy through help or relief. The father's plea for "mercy" is not for justice or a right, but for unmerited favor and compassionate intervention, acknowledging his son's dire need and Jesus' benevolent character.
* **lunatick (Greek, _selēniázomai_):** Literally meaning "moon-struck," this term refers to a condition believed in ancient times to be influenced by the moon's phases, often associated with epilepsy, seizures, or mental illness. While the term itself points to a common ancient medical belief, the biblical context, particularly Jesus' subsequent actions, reveals that the underlying cause of the boy's severe symptoms was demonic oppression, which manifested with symptoms akin to what was then called "lunacy."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lord, have mercy on my son:"** This opening phrase is a profound and direct appeal, immediately establishing the father's desperation and his recognition of Jesus' unique authority. The address "Lord" (Kýrios) conveys reverence and an understanding of Jesus' power. The plea for "mercy" (eleéō) is a humble request for compassionate intervention, acknowledging the son's dire state and the father's inability to help him. It is a cry for unmerited favor from one who has the power to grant it.
* **"for he is lunatick, and sore vexed:"** Here, the father provides the reason for his plea, describing the nature of his son's affliction. "Lunatick" (selēniázomai) points to symptoms resembling epilepsy or severe mental disturbance, often associated with the moon's influence in ancient understanding. The phrase "sore vexed" (kakōs páschō) emphasizes the intense, painful, and persistent suffering the boy endures, indicating a deep and tormenting affliction beyond mere physical discomfort. This combination vividly portrays the severity and distressing nature of the boy's condition.
* **"for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water."** This clause provides harrowing details of the son's self-destructive tendencies, illustrating the life-threatening consequences of his condition. The repetition of "ofttimes" (pollákis) underscores the frequency and chronic nature of these dangerous episodes. Falling into fire and water signifies extreme peril and the constant threat of accidental death, highlighting the family's relentless anguish and the son's utter vulnerability. These vivid descriptions amplify the urgency and gravity of the father's appeal for Jesus' immediate and powerful intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices to convey the urgency and pathos of the situation. **Pathos** is immediately evident in the father's desperate plea, "Lord, have mercy on my son," which evokes deep sympathy for his suffering and the son's plight. The vivid description of the son's condition—"falleth into the fire, and oft into the water"—uses **Imagery** to paint a stark and terrifying picture of extreme danger and suffering, emphasizing the severity of the affliction. The use of "ofttimes" and "oft" demonstrates **Repetition**, which serves to underscore the chronic and relentless nature of the boy's attacks, highlighting the family's prolonged anguish and the constant threat to the son's life. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses **Contrast** between the disciples' inability to heal the boy (implied by the father bringing him to Jesus) and Jesus' impending demonstration of ultimate authority and power, thereby magnifying Christ's unique divine capabilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human suffering and the divine response. It underscores humanity's utter helplessness in the face of severe affliction, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, and points to Jesus Christ as the sole source of true healing and deliverance. The father's cry for "mercy" is a model of humble, dependent faith, acknowledging Jesus' sovereign power and compassionate heart. This passage affirms Jesus' authority over all forms of sickness and demonic oppression, demonstrating that His kingdom brings liberation from the forces of darkness and the brokenness of this world. It also subtly critiques the limitations of human effort and highlights the necessity of divine intervention, setting the stage for Jesus' teaching on the power of faith and prayer.

* [Mark 9:22](/mark/9-22 "Mark 9:22 - The Father's Plea for Help") - A parallel account where the father expresses his desperate hope, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
* [Luke 9:42](/luke/9-42 "Luke 9:42 - Jesus Rebukes the Demon") - Another parallel account, emphasizing Jesus' rebuke of the unclean spirit.
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") - Encourages believers to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need," echoing the father's desperate plea for mercy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The father's desperate plea in Matthew 17:15 resonates deeply with the human experience of suffering and helplessness. In moments of profound crisis—whether facing a debilitating illness, a child's struggle, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—we often find ourselves at the end of our own resources, much like this father. His immediate turn to Jesus, bypassing others who had failed, serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate hope and source of help reside in Christ alone. This passage invites us to bring our deepest pains, our most overwhelming burdens, and our most desperate prayers directly to Jesus, trusting in His boundless compassion and unparalleled power. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that, even amidst despair, believes in Jesus' ability to intervene miraculously, to heal, and to deliver, reminding us that no condition is too severe for His touch. Our response to suffering should be one of humble, persistent, and expectant prayer, knowing that the Lord who had mercy on the "lunatick" boy is the same Lord who hears our cries today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What desperate situations in your life or the lives of those you love are you called to bring before Jesus with a plea for mercy?**
* **How does the father's immediate turning to Jesus, despite others' failure, challenge your own reliance on human solutions versus divine intervention?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus' compassion and power, even when circumstances seem hopeless?**
* **How might this passage encourage you to pray more persistently and specifically for those who are suffering from severe physical, mental, or spiritual afflictions?**

### FAQ
**Was the boy truly "lunatick" or demon-possessed?**

Answer: While the KJV uses the term "lunatick" (Greek _selēniázomai_), which literally means "moon-struck" and was a common ancient term for conditions like epilepsy or mental illness believed to be influenced by the moon, the parallel accounts in [Mark 9:14-29](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus Heals a Boy with an Impure Spirit") and [Luke 9:37-43](/luke/9-37-43 "Luke 9:37-43 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy") explicitly state that Jesus rebuked and cast out an unclean spirit or demon from the boy. This indicates that while the symptoms manifested as what was then called "lunacy" or epilepsy (falling into fire and water, foaming at the mouth, grinding teeth), the underlying cause, in this specific case, was demonic oppression. Jesus' action of rebuking the demon confirms the spiritual nature of the affliction, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:15, with its raw depiction of human suffering and a father's desperate plea, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Lord" to whom the father appeals is not merely a powerful healer, but the Son of God, the Messiah, whose very mission is to bring light into darkness and healing to the broken. This scene foreshadows Christ's comprehensive victory over all the consequences of sin: sickness, suffering, and spiritual bondage. His compassion for the afflicted boy and His subsequent powerful deliverance (as seen in [Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Matthew 17:18 - Jesus Heals the Demoniac Boy")) are tangible expressions of His kingdom breaking into a fallen world. Jesus, as the true Lamb of God, would ultimately take upon Himself the "sore vexation" of humanity's sin and suffering on the cross, offering a definitive and eternal solution to the spiritual and physical maladies that plague us ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His authority over the demon and the illness points forward to His ultimate triumph over Satan and death itself through His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), offering not just temporary relief but eternal redemption and the promise of a new creation where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Suffering")). Thus, the father's cry for mercy is met by the One who is mercy incarnate, the Savior who delivers us from all forms of vexation and brings us into His glorious light.

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

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.