I say to you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
because of.
Luke 18:1-8 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; …
Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Matthew 15:22-28 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil…
even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship
This part of the verse highlights the cultural context of hospitality in the ancient Near East, where providing for a guest was a significant social obligation. The reluctance of the friend to get up despite their relationship underscores the human tendency to prioritize personal comfort over social duties. It also sets the stage for the lesson on persistence in prayer.
yet because of the man’s persistence
Persistence is a key theme in this passage, illustrating the importance of perseverance in prayer. The Greek word used here can also be translated as "shamelessness" or "boldness," suggesting a tenacity that refuses to give up. This reflects the biblical principle found in other scriptures, such as the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, where persistence in seeking justice is rewarded.
he will get up and give him as much as he needs
This phrase emphasizes the eventual response to persistence. It suggests that God, unlike the reluctant friend, is willing to provide for His children. The provision of "as much as he needs" aligns with the biblical promise that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). It also reflects the abundant nature of God's grace and provision, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14), where Jesus provides more than enough for the crowd.
• Jesus speaks with divine authority, underscoring that what follows is absolutely reliable (cf. Matthew 5:18; John 3:11).
• His words never fail, so the principle He is about to state is anchored in the unchanging character of God (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11).
• The friend inside is reluctant, revealing normal human limits: fatigue, inconvenience, and self-interest (Proverbs 24:10).
• Friendship alone does not always overcome those limits; this highlights the contrast with God, who neither slumbers nor grows weary (Psalm 121:3-4; Isaiah 40:28).
• The line reminds readers that human relationships, however sincere, still fall short of God’s perfect faithfulness (Psalm 118:8).
• Persistence (“shameless boldness,” v. 8) is the turning point. The seeker keeps knocking until the door opens (Luke 11:9-10).
• Scripture consistently commends persevering prayer:
– Jacob wrestling until daybreak (Genesis 32:26).
– The Canaanite woman who would not be dismissed (Matthew 15:22-28).
– The widow before the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8).
• God welcomes this kind of tenacity, not to wear Him down, but to deepen trust and dependence (Hebrews 4:16; James 5:16-18).
• The reluctant friend finally meets the need fully, illustrating that God—who is never reluctant—will surely supply all that accords with His will (Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:20).
• Jesus’ point: if even flawed people respond to persistent requests, how much more will a holy, loving Father respond to His children (Matthew 7:11; Romans 8:32).
• The answer arrives at the right time and in the right measure, matching genuine need, not mere whim (1 John 5:14-15).
Luke 11:8 teaches that persistent, faith-filled prayer moves the heart of a willing Father. Human friends may yield only after repeated appeals, yet God—infinitely more gracious—stands ready to provide all that is truly needed. Therefore, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, confident that the One who invites such persistence will respond with generous, timely provision.
(8) Because of his importunity.--Literally, because of his shamelessness. The word is not used elsewhere in the New Testament, and exactly expresses the pertinacity that knows no restraint.Verse 8. - Because of his importunity, he will rise. The one idea left upon the minds of the hearers of this little quaint homely parable is - importunity is completely successful. The borrower had only need to keep on knocking to get all he wanted.