Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 11:8

"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." — Luke 11:8 (ASV)

The point of the parable depends partly on the context and partly on the meaning of the word “persistence” or “boldness” (NIV, NASB; GK 357) or “importunity” (RSV, KJV). If it means the former, the parable would seem to teach that if we persist long enough, God will finally answer our prayers. But since the Bible refers frequently to God’s eagerness to grant our requests, “boldness” is a more likely translation. This parable then presents a contrast to the way God answers prayer. If in human circumstances one will respond to a request, even though reluctantly, if pressed hard enough, surely God will answer and do so far more graciously (cf. 18:1–8).