Matthew 17:17

KJV

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, O {G5599} faithless {G571} and {G2532} perverse {G1294} generation {G1074}, how long {G2193}{G4219} shall I be {G2071} with {G3326} you {G5216}? how long {G2193}{G4219} shall I suffer {G430} you {G5216}? bring {G5342} him {G846} hither {G5602} to me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, "Perverted people, without any trust! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me!"

Berean Standard Bible

“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him hither to me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:17 captures Jesus' profound frustration and divine authority in the face of spiritual impotence and pervasive unbelief. Following His Transfiguration, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed boy whom His disciples were unable to heal. His sharp rebuke, "O faithless and perverse generation," encompasses both the unbelieving crowd and, implicitly, His own disciples, highlighting the deep-seated spiritual blindness and moral corruption that hindered God's power. Jesus' subsequent command to "bring him hither to me" underscores His unique and immediate authority as the ultimate source of healing and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic [Transfiguration of Jesus](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where Peter, James, and John witnessed His divine glory on a high mountain. Upon descending, Jesus and the three disciples rejoin the larger group of disciples and a great crowd. The scene shifts abruptly from the mountaintop revelation of divine power to the valley of human suffering and spiritual failure. A distraught father approaches Jesus, explaining that his son, afflicted by a demon causing severe seizures, was brought to the disciples, but "they could not cure him" ([Matthew 17:16](/matthew/17-16 "Matthew 17:16 - Disciples' Inability to Heal")). Jesus' exasperated words in [Matthew 17:17](/matthew/17-17 "Matthew 17:17 - Jesus' Rebuke of a Faithless Generation") are a direct response to this public display of spiritual impotence and the pervasive unbelief He observed among the people and, by extension, within His own followers. The subsequent healing of the boy in [Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Matthew 17:18 - Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Boy") starkly contrasts with the disciples' failure, setting the stage for their later private inquiry about their inability to cast out the demon ([Matthew 17:19-20](/matthew/17-19-20 "Matthew 17:19-20 - Faith and Mountain-Moving")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry occurred within a complex socio-religious landscape in first-century Judea and Galilee. The Jewish people, under Roman occupation, held diverse expectations for the Messiah, often focusing on political liberation rather than spiritual transformation. The religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, represented a spectrum of legalism and skepticism, often prioritizing human traditions over divine revelation. Demonic possession was a recognized phenomenon, and exorcism was practiced by various individuals and groups, though often with limited success or through dubious means. Jesus' consistent power over demons, as seen throughout the Gospels, set Him apart. His reference to "this generation" (G1074, _geneá_) likely refers not merely to a specific age group but to the prevailing spiritual and moral character of the Jewish people of that era, characterized by a general resistance to God's redemptive work through Him, despite the miraculous signs He performed. This generation was marked by a lack of genuine faith and a spiritual "perversity" that turned away from divine truth.

* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully underscores several critical themes central to Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **The Hindrance of Unbelief**, demonstrating how a lack of genuine faith, even among those close to Jesus, can impede the manifestation of God's power. The disciples' failure to heal the boy directly illustrates this, leading to Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith the size of a mustard seed ([Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith Like a Mustard Seed")). Secondly, Jesus' rhetorical questions, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?" reveal **The Burden of Divine Patience and Human Resistance**. These words convey a deep sorrow and weariness over the spiritual dullness and moral corruption of the people, who, despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, remained resistant to true faith and repentance. Finally, the passage unequivocally asserts **Jesus' Unquestionable Divine Authority**. In stark contrast to the disciples' impotence, Jesus immediately commands, "bring him hither to me," and effortlessly casts out the demon ([Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Matthew 17:18 - Jesus Heals the Boy")), demonstrating that true power and deliverance flow solely from Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithless (Greek, _ápistos'_):** From G571, meaning "disbelieving" or "without Christian faith." It describes a state of spiritual unbelief, not merely intellectual doubt, but an active unwillingness or inability to trust in God's power and promises. In this context, it points to a spiritual deficiency that prevents divine intervention.
* **perverse (Greek, _diastréphō'_):** From G1294, meaning "to distort," "misinterpret," or "corrupt." It implies a moral crookedness, a turning away from what is right, true, or morally upright. This word suggests that the generation's unbelief was not just a lack of understanding but a stubborn, morally twisted resistance to God's revealed truth and His Son.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** From G1074, meaning "a generation" or "an age." Here, it refers to the people living at that time, characterized by their collective spiritual and moral disposition. Jesus' use of this term indicts the prevailing spiritual climate and the general character of the people who were resistant to His message and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus answered and said,"**: This phrase indicates Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the situation He encountered. It marks a pivotal moment where He addresses the spiritual failure and unbelief that had just been demonstrated by the disciples and the surrounding crowd.
* **"O faithless and perverse generation,"**: Jesus' exclamation is a powerful indictment. "Faithless" (G571, _ápistos_) highlights their lack of trust in God's power, while "perverse" (G1294, _diastréphō_) points to their moral and spiritual corruption, a turning away from divine truth. The term "generation" (G1074, _geneá_) refers to the people of that era, characterized by their collective spiritual blindness and resistance to God's work through Him.
* **"how long shall I be with you?"**: This rhetorical question expresses Jesus' deep weariness and sorrow over the spiritual dullness and persistent unbelief He constantly encountered. It conveys a sense of divine patience stretched to its limits, longing for a genuine response of faith from His people.
* **"how long shall I suffer you?"**: This parallel rhetorical question intensifies the previous one, revealing Jesus' profound endurance of their spiritual obstinacy and moral corruption. The word "suffer" (G430, _anéchomai_) implies bearing with, enduring, or putting up with their resistance, underscoring the burden of their unbelief on the Son of God.
* **"bring him hither to me."**: In stark contrast to His expressed frustration, Jesus immediately issues a command that demonstrates His absolute authority and readiness to act. This direct instruction bypasses the disciples' inability and asserts His unique power as the only one capable of delivering the boy, highlighting His role as the ultimate healer and deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:17 is rich with **Rhetorical Questions**, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?", which are not meant to elicit an answer but to express Jesus' deep anguish, frustration, and weariness with the spiritual dullness and unbelief of the people. The use of the interjection "O" (G5599, _ō_) at the beginning of His address, "O faithless and perverse generation," functions as an **Exclamation**, conveying intense emotion—a mixture of sorrow, disappointment, and indignation. The strong, almost hyperbolic language of "faithless and perverse" serves as a powerful **Indictment**, condemning the spiritual state of the generation. The abrupt shift from the rhetorical questions to the direct, authoritative command, "bring him hither to me," creates a dramatic **Contrast**, highlighting Jesus' immediate and decisive power in the face of human impotence and spiritual failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith, divine power, and human resistance. Jesus' lament over a "faithless and perverse generation" underscores the pervasive spiritual condition of humanity, prone to unbelief and moral corruption, even in the presence of divine revelation. This passage highlights that while God's power is absolute, its manifestation in human experience is often contingent upon faith. The disciples' failure, despite their proximity to Jesus, reveals that spiritual authority and miraculous power are not inherent but are mediated through a living, active trust in God. Jesus' ultimate command to "bring him hither to me" reaffirms His unique role as the sole source of true deliverance and healing, emphasizing that all spiritual power ultimately resides in and flows from Him. It also implicitly teaches that true ministry involves bringing people directly to Christ, rather than relying solely on one's own limited abilities.

* [Mark 9:19](/mark/9-19 "Mark 9:19 - Jesus' Rebuke in Mark's Account")
* [Luke 9:41](/luke/9-41 "Luke 9:41 - Jesus' Rebuke in Luke's Account")
* [Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12-19 "Hebrews 3:12-19 - The Danger of Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:17 stands as a poignant challenge to every believer, urging us to deeply examine the quality and depth of our own faith. In a world that often prioritizes self-reliance and skepticism, Jesus' words remind us that spiritual impotence stems from a lack of trust in God's boundless power. Are we, like the "faithless and perverse generation," limiting God's work in our lives and through us because of our own unbelief or moral compromise? This verse calls us to cultivate a vibrant, active faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a radical dependence on Christ. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, personal struggles, or spiritual battles, our first and ultimate response should be to "bring him hither to me"—to bring our needs, our failures, and our desperate situations directly to Jesus, recognizing that true power and deliverance reside in Him alone. It challenges us to move beyond spiritual apathy and embrace the transformative power of genuine, unwavering faith in the Son of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exhibit "faithlessness" or a lack of trust in God's power?**
* **How might my own "perversity"—a turning away from God's truth or moral uprightness—be hindering God's work in my life or through me?**
* **What seemingly impossible situations am I facing that I need to consciously "bring hither to Jesus" for His divine intervention?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active faith that truly relies on Christ's authority and not my own limited abilities?**

### FAQ
**Who is Jesus referring to when He says "O faithless and perverse generation"?**

Answer: While Jesus' immediate frustration is sparked by the disciples' inability to heal the boy, His rebuke "O faithless and perverse generation" (G1074, _geneá_) extends beyond them to encompass the broader spiritual climate of the people He ministered to. This phrase describes the prevailing character of the Jewish people of that era, marked by a general lack of genuine faith in Him as the Messiah, despite the many signs and wonders He performed ([Matthew 12:39](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah")). It highlights their spiritual dullness, moral corruption, and stubborn resistance to divine truth, which prevented them from receiving God's power and experiencing His kingdom in its fullness. The disciples, though His followers, were not entirely immune to this pervasive unbelief, as evidenced by their failure to cast out the demon.

**Why was Jesus so frustrated or exasperated in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus' frustration stems from several layers of spiritual failure and human resistance. Firstly, He had just descended from the Transfiguration, a moment of profound divine revelation, only to be confronted with a scene of human suffering and spiritual impotence. Secondly, His own disciples, whom He had empowered to cast out demons ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to Disciples")), failed to heal the boy, revealing their lack of faith. Thirdly, the broader "generation" was characterized by a deep-seated unbelief and moral perversity, consistently resisting His message and miracles. Jesus' rhetorical questions, "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?" convey His weariness and sorrow over their spiritual blindness and stubbornness, which hindered God's redemptive work among them. It's a divine lament over humanity's persistent turning away from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:17, with Jesus' lament over a "faithless and perverse generation," powerfully foreshadows His ultimate mission and sacrifice. His deep weariness ("how long shall I suffer you?") reveals the profound burden of human sin and unbelief that He, as the Son of God, willingly bore. Unlike the disciples who failed to deliver, Jesus' immediate command, "bring him hither to me," underscores His unique and singular authority as the only one capable of confronting and conquering the powers of darkness. This moment prefigures His greater work on the cross, where He would fully "suffer" the consequences of humanity's faithlessness and perversity, taking upon Himself the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His victory over the demon in [Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Matthew 17:18 - Jesus Heals the Boy") is a microcosm of His ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). The "faithless and perverse generation" finds its hope and redemption only in the One who, though exasperated by their unbelief, nevertheless laid down His life to reconcile them to God, demonstrating His enduring love and unwavering commitment to save those who turn to Him in faith ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the Great Physician to whom all the sick and demon-possessed must be brought, for in Him alone is true healing and eternal life found ([Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many")).

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

Hebrews 3:16

For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

Hebrews 3:19

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Numbers 14:11

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Matthew 6:30

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

Mark 9:19

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Acts 13:18

And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

Mark 16:14

¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.