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 {G2548} from within {G2081} shall answer {G611} and say {G2036}, Trouble {G2873}{G3930} me {G3427} not {G3361}: the door {G2374} is {G2808} now {G2235} shut {G2808}, and {G2532} my {G3450} children {G3813} are {G1526} with {G3326} me {G1700} in {G1519} bed {G2845}; I cannot {G3756}{G1410} rise {G450} and give {G1325} thee {G4671}.

Now the one inside may answer, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already shut, my children are with me in bed — I can’t get up to give you anything!’

And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’

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?

Commentary

Luke 11:7 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' parable of the friend at midnight, which immediately follows His teaching of the Lord's Prayer to His disciples (Luke 11:1). In this parable, a neighbor approaches a friend late at night to ask for bread, as unexpected guests have arrived. This verse captures the initial, reluctant response of the friend who is already settled for the night.

Historically and culturally, homes in ancient Israel were often small, single-room dwellings where families slept together on mats on the floor. When the door was shut for the night, it was a significant disruption to open it, especially with children already asleep. This context highlights the inconvenience the friend would face in being disturbed.

Key Themes

  • Persistence in Prayer: The friend's initial refusal ("Trouble me not: the door is now shut...") sets up the contrast for the main point of the parable: the power of persistent, unyielding prayer. Though the friend is unwilling due to inconvenience, the parable teaches that God, who is good, will surely respond to earnest requests.
  • God's Character vs. Human Reluctance: Jesus uses this human scenario to illustrate a divine truth by way of contrast. The friend's reluctance is not a reflection of God's character. Rather, it emphasizes that if even an unwilling human friend can be moved by persistence, how much more will a loving God respond to His children's prayers.
  • The Importance of Asking: The parable underlines the command to "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Luke 11:9). The friend's response serves as a hurdle that persistent asking overcomes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Trouble me not" translates the Greek word kopos (κόπος), which implies labor, toil, or bother. Here, it refers to the annoyance or inconvenience of being disturbed from rest. The friend emphasizes the finality of his situation: "the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed." This paints a vivid picture of a household settled for the night, where any disturbance is a significant disruption, especially in the close quarters of an ancient home.

Practical Application

This verse, though depicting a negative response, serves to underscore the power and necessity of persistent prayer. It teaches us not to be discouraged by perceived delays or initial silence, but to continue bringing our requests before God with earnestness and faith. While the human friend is motivated by "importunity" (persistence, even shamelessness, as mentioned in Luke 11:8), God's motivation is His love and good pleasure to give good gifts to His children (Luke 11:13). It encourages believers to be bold and unwavering in their prayer life, trusting that God hears and will respond in His perfect timing and wisdom.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 13:25 (3 votes)

    When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

  • Matthew 25:10 (2 votes)

    And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

  • Galatians 6:17 (2 votes)

    From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 7:6 (2 votes)

    Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: