Luke 11:8
New International Version
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

New Living Translation
But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

English Standard Version
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

Berean Standard Bible
I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

Berean Literal Bible
I say to you, even though he will not give to him, having risen up because of being his friend; yet because of his persistence, having risen, he will give him as much as he needs.

King James Bible
I say unto 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 needeth.

New King James Version
I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

New American Standard Bible
I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything just because he is his friend, yet because of his shamelessness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

NASB 1995
“I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

NASB 1977
“I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

Legacy Standard Bible
I tell you, even though he will not arise and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

Amplified Bible
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything just because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence and boldness he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

Christian Standard Bible
I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

American Standard Version
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.

Contemporary English Version
He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.

English Revised Version
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I can guarantee that although he doesn't want to get up to give you anything, he will get up and give you whatever you need because he is your friend and because you were so bold.

Good News Translation
Well, what then? I tell you that even if he will not get up and give you the bread because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.

International Standard Version
I tell you, even though that man doesn't want to get up and give him anything because he is his friend, he will get up and give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

Majority Standard Bible
I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man?s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

NET Bible
I tell you, even though the man inside will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man's sheer persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

New Heart English Bible
I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 needeth.

Weymouth New Testament
"I tell you that even if he will not rise and give him the loaves because he is his friend, at any rate because of his persistency he will rouse himself and give him as many as he requires.

World English Bible
I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I say to you, even if he will not give to him, having risen, because of his being his friend, yet because of his persistence, having risen, he will give him as many as he needs;

Berean Literal Bible
I say to you, even though he will not give to him, having risen up because of being his friend; yet because of his persistence, having risen, he will give him as much as he needs.

Young's Literal Translation
'I say to you, even if he will not give to him, having risen, because of his being his friend, yet because of his importunity, having risen, he will give him as many as he doth need;

Smith's Literal Translation
I say to you, If also having risen he will not give him because of being his friend, yet for his effrontery, having risen, he will give him as many as he needs.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet if he shall continue knocking, I say to you, although 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 needeth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet if he will persevere in knocking, I tell you that, even though he would not get up and give it to him because he is a friend, yet due to his continued insistence, he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

New American Bible
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

New Revised Standard Version
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I say to you, that if because of friendship he will not give him, yet because of his persistence, he will rise and give him as much as he wants.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I say to you that if because of friendship he will not give to him, because of his persistence he will arise and he will give him as much as he needs.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs.

Godbey New Testament
I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs.

Haweis New Testament
I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth.

Mace New Testament
I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for.

Weymouth New Testament
"I tell you that even if he will not rise and give him the loaves because he is his friend, at any rate because of his persistency he will rouse himself and give him as many as he requires.

Worrell New Testament
I say to you, even if he will not, rising up, give to him because of his being his friend; yet, because of his importunity, he, rousing himself, will give him as many as he needs.

Worsley New Testament
I tell you, tho' 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 wants.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ask, Seek, Knock
7And 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.’ 8I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.…

Cross References
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Proverbs 3:27-28
Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. / Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means.

1 John 3:22
and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Isaiah 62:6-7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Genesis 18:23-33
Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? / What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? / Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” ...

1 Samuel 1:12-17
As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. / Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk / and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!” ...

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Kings 18:41-45
And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” / So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. / “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” ...

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Psalm 55:17
Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. / But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Jeremiah 29:12-13
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.


Treasury of Scripture

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…

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Although Arise Boldness Bread Friend Keeps Loaves Making Need Needeth Needs Persistence Rate Request Requires Rise Risen Rouse Whatever
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Although Arise Boldness Bread Friend Keeps Loaves Making Need Needeth Needs Persistence Rate Request Requires Rise Risen Rouse Whatever
Luke 11
1. Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;
11. assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.
14. He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;
27. and shows who are blessed;
29. preaches to the people;
37. and reprimands the outward show of holiness.














I tell you
This phrase is a direct assertion from Jesus, emphasizing the authority and certainty of His teaching. In the Greek, "λέγω ὑμῖν" (legō hymin) is used, which is a common phrase in the Gospels where Jesus is making a point that requires attention. It underscores the importance of the lesson that follows, inviting the listener to pay close attention to the truth being revealed.

even though he will not get up
This part of the verse sets up a hypothetical situation. The Greek word "καίτοι" (kaitoi) suggests a contrast or exception. It implies that under normal circumstances, the man would not be inclined to rise and help. This highlights the reluctance that can exist in human relationships, even among friends, when it comes to inconvenience.

to provide for him
The Greek word "δοῦναι" (dounai) means "to give" or "to provide." This indicates an act of generosity or assistance. In the cultural context of the time, hospitality was a significant social obligation, and providing for a guest was a matter of honor and duty. This phrase underscores the expectation of meeting needs, even when it is inconvenient.

because of his friendship
The Greek term "φιλίαν" (philian) refers to friendship or affection. In the ancient world, friendships were often seen as reciprocal relationships of mutual benefit. This phrase suggests that while friendship is a strong bond, it may not always be enough to compel action, especially when it involves personal sacrifice or discomfort.

yet because of the man’s persistence
The word "ἀναίδειαν" (anaideian) is translated as "persistence" and can also mean shamelessness or boldness. This highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer and in seeking help. The cultural context suggests that persistence, even to the point of being shamelessly bold, is sometimes necessary to achieve one's goals. It reflects a tenacity that is commendable and effective.

he will get up and give him
This phrase indicates a change in action. The Greek "ἐγερθεὶς" (egerthēis) means "having risen" or "getting up," signifying a response to the persistent request. It shows that action is eventually taken, not out of initial willingness, but due to the relentless appeal. This can be seen as a metaphor for how God responds to persistent prayer.

as much as he needs
The Greek "ὅσων χρῄζει" (hoson chreizei) translates to "as much as he needs," emphasizing sufficiency and provision. This phrase assures that the response to persistence is not just minimal compliance but a generous meeting of needs. It reflects the biblical principle that God provides abundantly for those who earnestly seek Him.

(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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I tell
Λέγω (Legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

though
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

he will not get up
ἀναστὰς (anastas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 450: To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.

to provide
δώσει (dōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

for him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

friendship,
φίλον (philon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5384: Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.

yet
γε (ge)
Particle
Strong's 1065: A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.

because of
διά (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

[the man’s]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

persistence,
ἀναίδειαν (anaideian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 335: From a compound of a (compare aneu) and aidos; impudence, i.e. importunity.

he will get up
ἐγερθεὶς (egertheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

[and] give
δώσει (dōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

as much as
ὅσων (hosōn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.

he needs.
χρῄζει (chrēzei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5535: To need, have need of, want, desire. From chreia; to make necessity, i.e. Be in want of.


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NT Gospels: Luke 11:8 I tell you although he will not (Luke Lu Lk)
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