Matthew 17:21 - But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 17:21" mean?
Matthew 17:21, "But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting,” (some translations omit this verse) refers to the specific kind of demon that Jesus' disciples were unable to cast out in the preceding verses (Matthew 17:14-20). Let's break down what this verse suggests:
"This kind": This phrase specifically refers to a particularly strong or resistant demon. It implies that not all demonic possessions are the same; some are more difficult to deal with than others.
"Doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting": This is the key point. It suggests that dealing with this specific type of demon requires a higher level of spiritual preparation and engagement.
Prayer: Represents fervent, focused, and persistent communication with God, seeking His power and intervention.
Fasting: In this context, fasting typically refers to abstaining from food as a form of spiritual discipline. It is often practiced to humble oneself, focus on God, and intensify prayer. By denying the body's physical desires, the believer seeks to sharpen their spiritual senses and become more receptive to God's guidance and power.
Interpretations and Implications
There are various interpretations of this verse:
Spiritual Warfare Requires Preparation: The most common understanding is that certain spiritual battles require intense dedication and preparation. It's not enough to simply say a few words; overcoming particularly strong evil requires a deeper commitment to spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
Importance of Spiritual Disciplines: It highlights the importance of prayer and fasting in the life of a believer. These are not merely optional activities, but vital tools for spiritual growth and overcoming challenges, especially those related to spiritual warfare.
Emphasis on Humility and Dependence on God: Fasting is often associated with humility and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It's a way of saying, "I cannot do this on my own; I need God's help."
Focus and Intensity: Prayer and fasting together create a focused intensity of spiritual engagement. It’s not just about going without food; it's about replacing that time and energy with focused prayer and seeking God's will.
Not a Formula, But a Principle: It's important to note that this verse is not a magical formula. Simply praying and fasting doesn't guarantee success. It's about the heart behind the actions – a genuine desire to seek God's will and rely on His power.
Verse Omission in Some Translations
It's worth noting that some modern translations omit Matthew 17:21, or include it in a footnote. This is because it is not found in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts. There's debate among scholars about whether it was originally part of Matthew's Gospel or added later by scribes.
Even if the verse is not original, the principle it conveys (the need for intense spiritual devotion to overcome significant spiritual challenges) is consistent with other teachings in the Bible. The importance of prayer and fasting is emphasized in numerous other passages.
In Conclusion
Matthew 17:21 (whether included in the text or not) teaches that dealing with particularly strong spiritual challenges may require a deeper level of commitment to prayer and fasting. It underscores the importance of these spiritual disciplines and highlights the need to rely on God's power in spiritual warfare.
Matthew 17:21 - But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting.”
What does "Matthew 17:21" mean?
Matthew 17:21, "But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting,” (some translations omit this verse) refers to the specific kind of demon that Jesus' disciples were unable to cast out in the preceding verses (Matthew 17:14-20). Let's break down what this verse suggests:
"This kind": This phrase specifically refers to a particularly strong or resistant demon. It implies that not all demonic possessions are the same; some are more difficult to deal with than others.
"Doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting": This is the key point. It suggests that dealing with this specific type of demon requires a higher level of spiritual preparation and engagement.
Prayer: Represents fervent, focused, and persistent communication with God, seeking His power and intervention.
Fasting: In this context, fasting typically refers to abstaining from food as a form of spiritual discipline. It is often practiced to humble oneself, focus on God, and intensify prayer. By denying the body's physical desires, the believer seeks to sharpen their spiritual senses and become more receptive to God's guidance and power.
Interpretations and Implications
There are various interpretations of this verse:
Spiritual Warfare Requires Preparation: The most common understanding is that certain spiritual battles require intense dedication and preparation. It's not enough to simply say a few words; overcoming particularly strong evil requires a deeper commitment to spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
Importance of Spiritual Disciplines: It highlights the importance of prayer and fasting in the life of a believer. These are not merely optional activities, but vital tools for spiritual growth and overcoming challenges, especially those related to spiritual warfare.
Emphasis on Humility and Dependence on God: Fasting is often associated with humility and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It's a way of saying, "I cannot do this on my own; I need God's help."
Focus and Intensity: Prayer and fasting together create a focused intensity of spiritual engagement. It’s not just about going without food; it's about replacing that time and energy with focused prayer and seeking God's will.
Not a Formula, But a Principle: It's important to note that this verse is not a magical formula. Simply praying and fasting doesn't guarantee success. It's about the heart behind the actions – a genuine desire to seek God's will and rely on His power.
Verse Omission in Some Translations
It's worth noting that some modern translations omit Matthew 17:21, or include it in a footnote. This is because it is not found in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts. There's debate among scholars about whether it was originally part of Matthew's Gospel or added later by scribes.
Even if the verse is not original, the principle it conveys (the need for intense spiritual devotion to overcome significant spiritual challenges) is consistent with other teachings in the Bible. The importance of prayer and fasting is emphasized in numerous other passages.
In Conclusion
Matthew 17:21 (whether included in the text or not) teaches that dealing with particularly strong spiritual challenges may require a deeper level of commitment to prayer and fasting. It underscores the importance of these spiritual disciplines and highlights the need to rely on God's power in spiritual warfare.