Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:16

What does Matthew 17:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:16 means

The father then explains his initial attempt to seek help: he brought his son to Jesus' disciples, but they were unable to cure him. This detail highlights the disciples' current limitation and lack of power in this specific situation, underscoring their need for a deeper walk of faith and dependence on Jesus. It also sets up a contrast, emphasizing Jesus' unique authority and the necessity of His personal intervention.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I took him to your disciples, and they were not able to make him well.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I brought him near to thy disciples, and they were not able to heal him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus answered and said: O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they were not able to heal him.

Context

This verse explains the immediate context of the father's plea, revealing the disciples' prior failure. It directly follows the father's description of his son's suffering. This failed attempt by the disciples creates tension and underscores the spiritual warfare at play, preparing the reader for Jesus' rebuke and subsequent decisive healing.

v.15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and oft-times into the water.

v.16This passage

v.17And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him hither to me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 9:40

    And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and they could not.

  • Acts 3:16

    And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

  • 2 Kings 4:29

    Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

  • Acts 19:15

    And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

  • Matthew 17:19

    Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?

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