Luke Chapter 11

The Lord's Prayer

(Matthew 6:5-15)

1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3Give us day by day our daily bread.

4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Ask, Seek, Knock

(Matthew 7:7-12)

5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8I 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.

9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

A House Divided

(Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:20-27)

14And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. 15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. 21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. 23He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

(Matthew 12:43-45)

24When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

True Blessedness

27And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

The Sign of Jonah

(Matthew 12:38-42)

29And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. 30For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. 31The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

The Lamp of the Body

(Matthew 6:22-24)

33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in Law

(Matthew 23:1-36)

37And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 40Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

45Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 47Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 50That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Lord’s Prayer
(Matthew 6:5–15)

1 It happened, that when he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

Ask, Seek, Knock
(Matthew 7:7–12)

5 He said to them, “Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,’ 7 and he from within will answer and say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you’? 8 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.

9 “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

A House Divided
(Matthew 12:22–30; Mark 3:20–27)

14 He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. It happened, when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” 16 Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges. 20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you. 21 “When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 “He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn’t gather with me scatters.

An Unclean Spirit Returns
(Matthew 12:43–45)

24 The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will turn back to my house from which I came out.’ 25 When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

27 It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” 28 But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”

The Sign of Jonah
(Jonah 3:1–10; Matthew 12:38–42)

29 When the multitudes were gathering together to him, he began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign. No sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophet. 30 For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will also the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and will condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, one greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, one greater than Jonah is here.

The Lamp of the Body
(Matthew 6:22–24)

33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light. 34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. 35 Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn’t darkness. 36 If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light.”

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in the Law
(Matthew 23:1–36)

37 Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table. 38 When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner. 39 The Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. 40 You foolish ones, didn’t he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give for gifts to the needy those things which are within, and behold, all things will be clean to you.

42 But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them don’t know it.”

45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying this you insult us also.” 46 He said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute, 50 that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.”

53 As he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of him; 54 lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch him in something he might say, that they might accuse him.

The Lord’s Prayer
(Matthew 6:5–15)

1 One day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 So Jesus told them, “When you pray, say:

‘Father, a hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. b

3 Give us each day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation. c’ ”

Ask, Seek, Knock
(Matthew 7:7–12)

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’

7 And 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.’

8 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.

9 So 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. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, d will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

A House Divided
(Matthew 12:22–30; Mark 3:20–27)

14 One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, e the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.” 16 And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

17 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.

23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

An Unclean Spirit Returns
(Matthew 12:43–45)

24 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!”

28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The Sign of Jonah
(Jonah 3:1–10; Matthew 12:38–42)

29 As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.

The Lamp of the Body
(Matthew 6:22–24)

33 No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, f your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, g your body is full of darkness. 35 Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 So if your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, you will be radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you.”

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in the Law
(Matthew 23:1–36)

37 As Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.

39 “Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? 41 But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you.

42 Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.

43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.”

45 One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.”

46 “Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load.

47 Woe to you! You build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. 48 So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’

50 As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. h Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

52 Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

53 As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, 54 waiting to catch Him in something He might say.

The Lord's Prayer

(Matthew 6:5-15)

1And it came to pass, in his being in a certain place praying, as he ceased, a certain one of his disciples said unto him, 'Sir, teach us to pray, as also John taught his disciples.'

2And he said to them, 'When ye may pray, say ye: Our Father who art in the heavens; hallowed be Thy name: Thy reign come; Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on earth;

3our appointed bread be giving us daily;

4and forgive us our sins, for also we ourselves forgive every one indebted to us; and mayest Thou not bring us into temptation; but do Thou deliver us from the evil.'

Ask, Seek, Knock

(Matthew 7:7-12)

5And he said unto them, 'Who of you shall have a friend, and shall go on unto him at midnight, and may say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves, 6seeing a friend of mine came out of the way unto me, and I have not what I shall set before him, 7and he from within answering may say, Do not give me trouble, already the door hath been shut, and my children with me are in the bed, I am not able, having risen, to give to thee. 8'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;

9and I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you; 10for every one who is asking doth receive; and he who is seeking doth find; and to him who is knocking it shall be opened. 11'And of which of you -- the father -- if the son shall ask a loaf, a stone will he present to him? and if a fish, will he instead of a fish, a serpent present to him? 12and if he may ask an egg, will he present to him a scorpion? 13If, then, ye, being evil, have known good gifts to be giving to your children, how much more shall the Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking Him!'

A House Divided

(Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:20-27)

14And he was casting forth a demon, and it was dumb, and it came to pass, the demon having gone forth, the dumb man spake, and the multitudes wondered, 15and certain of them said, 'By Beelzeboul, ruler of the demons, he doth cast forth the demons;' 16and others, tempting, a sign out of heaven from him were asking. 17And he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, 'Every kingdom having been divided against itself is desolated; and house against house doth fall; 18and if also the Adversary against himself was divided, how shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say, by Beelzeboul is my casting forth the demons. 19'But if I by Beelzeboul cast forth the demons -- your sons, by whom do they cast forth? because of this your judges they shall be; 20but if by the finger of God I cast forth the demons, then come unawares upon you did the reign of God. 21'When the strong man armed may keep his hall, in peace are his goods; 22but when the stronger than he, having come upon him, may overcome him, his whole-armour he doth take away in which he had trusted, and his spoils he distributeth; 23he who is not with me is against me, and he who is not gathering with me doth scatter.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

(Matthew 12:43-45)

24'When the unclean spirit may go forth from the man it walketh through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding, it saith, I will turn back to my house whence I came forth; 25and having come, it findeth it swept and adorned; 26then doth it go, and take to it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there, and the last of that man becometh worst than the first.'

True Blessedness

27And it came to pass, in his saying these things, a certain woman having lifted up the voice out of the multitude, said to him, 'Happy the womb that carried thee, and the paps that thou didst suck!' 28And he said, 'Yea, rather, happy those hearing the word of God, and keeping it!'

The Sign of Jonah

(Matthew 12:38-42)

29And the multitudes crowding together upon him, he began to say, 'This generation is evil, a sign it doth seek after, and a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet, 30for as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also shall the Son of Man be to this generation. 31'A queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and shall condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and lo, greater than Solomon here! 32'Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, because they reformed at the proclamation of Jonah; and lo, greater than Jonah here!

The Lamp of the Body

(Matthew 6:22-24)

33And no one having lighted a lamp, doth put it in a secret place, nor under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, that those coming in may behold the light. 34'The lamp of the body is the eye, when then thine eye may be simple, thy whole body also is lightened; and when it may be evil, thy body also is darkened; 35take heed, then, lest the light that is in thee be darkness; 36if then thy whole body is lightened, not having any part darkened, the whole shall be lightened, as when the lamp by the brightness may give thee light.'

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in Law

(Matthew 23:1-36)

37And in his speaking, a certain Pharisee was asking him that he might dine with him, and having gone in, he reclined (at meat), 38and the Pharisee having seen, did wonder that he did not first baptize himself before the dinner. 39And the Lord said unto him, 'Now do ye, the Pharisees, the outside of the cup and of the plate make clean, but your inward part is full of rapine and wickedness; 40unthinking! did not He who made the outside also the inside make? 41But what ye have give ye as alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you.

42'But woe to you, the Pharisees, because ye tithe the mint, and the rue, and every herb, and ye pass by the judgment, and the love of God; these things it behoveth to do, and those not to be neglecting. 43'Woe to you, the Pharisees, because ye love the first seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the market-places. 44'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because ye are as the unseen tombs, and the men walking above have not known.'

45And one of the lawyers answering, saith to him, 'Teacher, these things saying, us also thou dost insult;' 46and he said, 'And to you, the lawyers, woe! because ye burden men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves with one of your fingers do not touch the burdens. 47'Woe to you, because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48Then do ye testify, and are well pleased with the works of your fathers, because they indeed killed them, and ye do build their tombs; 49because of this also the wisdom of God said: I will send to them prophets, and apostles, and some of them they shall kill and persecute, 50that the blood of all the prophets, that is being poured forth from the foundation of the world, may be required from this generation; 51from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the house; yes, I say to you, It shall be required from this generation. 52'Woe to you, the lawyers, because ye took away the key of the knowledge; yourselves ye did not enter; and those coming in, ye did hinder.'

53And in his speaking these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began fearfully to urge and to press him to speak about many things, 54laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Teaching on Prayer

¹ One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." They recognized something uniquely powerful in His prayer life. ² Jesus replied, "When you pray, say:

'Father, may Your name be honored as holy.
May Your kingdom come and transform our world.
³ Provide for our daily needs.
⁴ Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who wrongs us.
And protect us from overwhelming temptation.'"

The Power of Persistent Prayer

⁵ Then Jesus illustrated persistent prayer: "Imagine knocking on a friend's door at midnight saying, 'Please lend me three loaves of bread. ⁶ An unexpected guest has arrived, and I have nothing to serve them.' ⁷ Your friend calls from inside, 'Don't bother me! The door's locked, my children are asleep beside me. I can't help you now!' ⁸ I tell you, even if friendship won't make him get up, persistent knocking will! He'll give you whatever you need.

⁹ So I tell you: Keep asking – it will be given. Keep seeking – you'll find. Keep knocking – the door will open. ¹⁰ For everyone who keeps asking receives. Those who keep seeking find. To those who keep knocking, the door opens.

¹¹ What father among you would give your child a snake when they ask for fish? ¹² Or hand them a scorpion when they ask for an egg? ¹³ If you, despite your flaws, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴ Jesus was driving out a demon that had made a man mute. When the demon left, the man spoke, amazing the crowd. ¹⁵ But some sneered, "He drives out demons by Beelzebul's power – the prince of demons!" ¹⁶ Others, testing Him, demanded a miraculous sign from heaven to prove His authority was genuine.

¹⁷ Jesus, knowing their thoughts, responded, "Any kingdom divided against itself collapses. A family torn apart by feuding falls. ¹⁸ If the Adversary fights against himself, how can his kingdom stand? Yet you claim I drive out demons by Beelzebul! ¹⁹ If I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whose power do your followers drive them out? Let them judge your accusation! ²⁰ But if I drive out demons by God's finger, then God's kingdom has invaded your world!

²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his estate, his possessions are secure. ²² But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he strips away his armor and divides the plunder. ²³ Anyone not actively supporting Me opposes Me. Those not helping Me gather - are actually scattering."

²⁴ "When an evil spirit leaves someone, it wanders through barren places seeking rest. Finding none, it says, 'I'll return to my former home.' ²⁵ It finds that home swept clean and put in order. ²⁶ Then it gets seven other spirits more evil than itself. They invade and settle there, leaving that person worse than before. Partial spiritual reform without complete transformation is dangerous."

²⁷ As Jesus spoke, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave birth to You and nursed You!" ²⁸ Jesus replied, "More blessed are those who hear God's word and obey it!"

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹ As crowds gathered, Jesus said, "This generation craves miraculous signs, but none will be given except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ Just as Jonah became a sign to Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. ³¹ The Queen of Sheba will stand on Judgment Day with this generation and condemn it. She came from far away to hear Solomon's wisdom, but Someone greater than Solomon is here! ³² The people of Nineveh will also condemn this generation. They repented at Jonah's preaching, but Someone greater than Jonah is here!

The Lamp of the Body

³³ No one lights a lamp and hides it. Instead, they put it on a stand so everyone entering can see by its light. ³⁴ Your eye is your body's lamp. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light. But when they're unhealthy, your body fills with darkness. ³⁵ So be careful that the light within you isn't actually darkness. ³⁶ If your whole body is illuminated, with no dark corners, it will be radiant – as though a bright lamp shines on you."

Woes to the Pharisees and Experts in the Law

³⁷ After Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to brunch. Jesus accepted and reclined at the table. ³⁸ The Pharisee was shocked that Jesus didn't perform the ceremonial hand-washing before eating. ³⁹ The Lord said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of cups and dishes meticulously, but inside you're full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰ How foolish! Didn't the One who made the outside make the inside too?

⁴¹ Instead, give from your heart to the poor, and everything becomes clean for you. ⁴² Tragedy awaits you Pharisees! You meticulously tithe even herbs from your garden, but ignore justice and God's love. Practice both – fulfill religious duties while pursuing justice and love.

⁴³ Tragedy awaits you Pharisees! You love the most important seats in synagogues and respectful greetings in marketplaces. ⁴⁴ Tragedy awaits you! You're like unmarked graves – people walk over them unaware, becoming ceremonially unclean. Your hidden corruption contaminates others."

⁴⁵ A religious expert objected, "Teacher, You're insulting us too!" ⁴⁶ Jesus replied, "Yes, tragedy awaits you religious experts too! You burden people with impossible rules, but won't lift a finger to help them. ⁴⁷ Tragedy awaits you! You build monuments to the prophets your ancestors killed. ⁴⁸ You thereby testify that you approve of your ancestors' actions – they killed the prophets, you build their tombs!

⁴⁹ This is why God's wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles. Some they will kill and persecute.' ⁵⁰ Therefore, this generation will be held responsible for all the prophets' blood - shed since creation. ⁵¹ From Abel's blood to Zechariah's, killed between the altar and the Temple. Yes, this generation will be held accountable! ⁵² Tragedy awaits you religious experts! You've taken away the key to knowledge. You haven't entered yourselves and have hindered others trying to enter!"

⁵³ As Jesus was leaving, the religious scholars and Pharisees became very hostile and started peppering Him with questions. ⁵⁴ Their plot was to trap Him into saying something they could use to condemn Him.

Footnotes:

Verse 2 (a) BYZ and TR Our Father in heaven ; see Matthew 6:9.
Verse 2 (b) BYZ and TR include Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven ; see Matthew 6:10.
Verse 4 (c) BYZ and TR include but deliver us from the evil one ; see Matthew 6:13.
Verse 11 (d) BYZ and TR if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone, or for a fish ; see Matthew 7:9–10.
Verse 15 (e) WH Beezeboul ; Vulgate Beelzebub ; also in verses 18 and 19
Verse 34 (f) Literally When your eye is sound ; see Proverbs 22:9.
Verse 34 (g) Literally when it is evil ; see Proverbs 23:6 and Proverbs 28:22.
Verse 51 (h) Literally the house

Special thanks to the BSB Translation for the above footnotes.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Luke 11?

1.1Context of Luke 11

1.2Ancient Key Word Study

1.3Luke 11 Unique Insights

1.4Question the Text:

1.5Luke 11 Connections to Yeshua

1.6Luke 11 Scriptural Echoes

1.7Luke 11 Devotional

1.8Did You Know

What is the meaning of Luke 11?

Discovering the Heart of Prayer, Power, and True Righteousness

Have you ever felt like your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling—or wondered if you were even praying the right way? You’re not alone. Even Jesus’ closest followers asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11 isn’t just a chapter in the Bible—it’s a front-row seat to the Messiah’s intimate prayer life, a powerful teaching on how to connect with God, fight spiritual battles, and live authentically in a world full of religious noise.

In this pivotal chapter, we’re invited to grasp what Jesus says about persistent prayer, the Father’s goodness, and the difference between looking holy and being holy. If you’ve ever longed for deeper faith, clearer guidance, or a prayer life that actually moves things—Luke 11 is your roadmap. Let’s dive in.

Context of Luke 11

Within Luke’s Gospel, chapter 11 falls during Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He is intensifying His training of the disciples while confronting growing opposition from religious leaders. This chapter follows Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha’s home in chapter 10, where He emphasized the importance of sitting at His feet and learning. Now, in chapter 11, He builds upon this foundation by teaching His disciples how to develop their relationship with the Father through prayer.

The larger Biblical context reveals this chapter’s crucial role in establishing New Covenant patterns of prayer and spiritual authority. While the Old Testament presents various models of prayer, particularly in the Psalms and prophetic books, Luke 11 provides the Messiah’s own teaching on how His followers should approach the Father. This instruction becomes especially significant as it bridges the gap between Old Testament temple-centered worship and the coming reality of Spirit-led prayer that would characterize the early church after Pentecost.

Ancient Key Word Study

προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai) – “to pray” (v.1): This Greek term emphasizes both the act of prayer and the attitude of devotion. Unlike the word δέομαι (deomai) which focuses on presenting needs, proseuchomai suggests a broader interaction with God, encompassing worship, thanksgiving, and communion. Its use here indicates Jesus was modeling a comprehensive approach to prayer, not merely petition.
ἁγιασθήτω (hagiasthētō) – “hallowed be” (v.2): This imperative passive verb form literally means “let it be sanctified.” The passive voice suggests this is God’s work, yet we participate by acknowledging and declaring His holiness. The word shares its root with הַקָּדוֹשׁ (ha-kadosh), the Hebrew term for “the Holy One.”
ἐπιούσιον (epiousion) – “daily” (v.3): One of the most debated words in the New Testament, appearing only in the Lord’s Prayer. Some scholars suggest it means “for tomorrow,” while others argue for “necessary for existence.” The term likely combines ἐπί (upon) with οὐσία (substance), suggesting bread that sustains our very being.
πονηροῦ (ponērou) – “evil” (v.4): This term refers not just to moral evil but to active malevolence. In the Jewish mindset of the time, this would have been understood as referring to both evil inclinations (יצר הרע – yetzer hara) and the Evil One himself.
βεελζεβοὺλ (Beelzeboul) – “Beelzebul” (v.15): A name meaning “lord of the dwelling,” possibly a corruption of בַּעַל זְבוּב (Baal-zebub), “lord of flies.” This term evolved in Jewish thought to represent the prince of demons, showing how the chapter connects prayer with spiritual warfare.
μερισθεῖσα (meristheisa) – “divided” (v.17): From μερίζω (merizo), this term carries the idea of something being distributed or apportioned out. Its use here emphasizes the impossibility of a kingdom maintaining integrity while working against itself.
δακτύλῳ θεοῦ (daktylō theou) – “finger of God” (v.20): A direct echo of Exodus 8:19, where Egyptian magicians recognize divine power. The phrase suggests divine authority exercised with precision and personal involvement.
σκεύη (skeuē) – “goods/armor” (v.22): While often translated simply as “possessions,” this term could refer specifically to weapons or armor, suggesting spiritual warfare imagery.
λύχνος (lychnos) – “lamp” (v.33): More than just a light source, this term represented enlightenment and spiritual illumination in both Greek and Jewish thought.
φορτία δυσβάστακτα (phortia dysbastakta) – “burdens hard to bear” (v.46): A vivid phrase combining “loads” with “difficult to carry,” painting a picture of religious leaders adding unnecessary weight to God’s law.

Luke 11 Unique Insights

The Lord’s Prayer in Luke presents a shorter version than Matthew’s, likely reflecting its original form before liturgical expansion in early church practice. This brevity emphasizes its role as a pattern for prayer rather than a fixed formula. The Jewish background of the prayer is evident in its parallel structure to the Kaddish, an ancient Jewish prayer that also begins with hallowing God’s name and praying for His kingdom.

The chapter’s treatment of spiritual warfare reveals sophisticated demonology that aligns with Second Temple Jewish understanding while transcending it. The concept of a “strong man” guarding his palace draws on ancient Near Eastern royal ideology but applies it to spiritual realities. This metaphor would have resonated with both Jewish audiences familiar with Divine Warrior traditions and Gentile readers acquainted with Hellenistic cosmic conflict narratives.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The woes against the Pharisees and lawyers contain subtle allusions to prophetic traditions, particularly Amos and Isaiah. The criticism of washing cups while neglecting justice echoes Isaiah 58‘s critique of empty religiosity. The Pharisees’ practice of tithing herbs while neglecting weightier matters reflects a misunderstanding of Micah 6:8‘s emphasis on justice, mercy, and humility.

Early rabbinic literature provides interesting parallels to Jesus’ teachings here. The Avot de-Rabbi Nathan contains similar critiques of religious hypocrisy, suggesting these issues were widely recognized in first-century Judaism. However, Jesus’ authority to pronounce judgment and offer alternative interpretations of Torah sets His teaching apart.

Question the Text:

As you read Luke 11, take a moment to question the text. What stands out as puzzling or unexpected? Where do the characters act in surprising ways? What cultural or theological assumptions are being challenged? Instead of rushing to find definitive answers, let these questions guide you into deeper reflection about human nature, divine interaction, and the unspoken details within the passage.

Why do the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, even though they were likely already familiar with traditional Jewish prayers? What made the Messiah’s way of praying so different or compelling? Luke 11:1
Why does Jesus include the request “Give us each day our daily bread”? Is this a literal request for food, or is there a deeper spiritual dependence being emphasized? Luke 11:3
The parable of the persistent friend seems to paint God as someone who needs convincing to act. Is Jesus comparing or contrasting God with the reluctant neighbor? Luke 11:5–8
What is Jesus revealing about the nature of the Father when He says, “how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him”? Why the emphasis on the Holy Spirit here instead of tangible blessings? Luke 11:13
Why do some in the crowd accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul? What does this reveal about their perception of power and spiritual authority? Luke 11:15
When Jesus says, “whoever is not with Me is against Me,” how does that challenge modern ideas of neutrality or spiritual indecision? Luke 11:23
The metaphor of the unclean spirit returning with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” is intense. What warning is Jesus giving here about spiritual emptiness or complacency? Luke 11:24–26
Why does Jesus shift focus when a woman blesses His mother, redirecting her to say “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it”? What does this say about true spiritual family? Luke 11:27–28
Why does Jesus call His generation “wicked” for seeking a sign, yet say only the “sign of Jonah” will be given? What kind of sign is He referring to, and how does it subvert expectations? Luke 11:29–30
In calling out the Pharisees for outward cleanliness but inward corruption, what cultural or religious norms is Jesus confronting? How does this critique remain relevant today? Luke 11:39–40
Jesus pronounces woes upon the religious elite for burdening others with laws they themselves do not keep. How does this expose the danger of performative religion and spiritual elitism? Luke 11:46
Why does Jesus accuse the lawyers of taking away “the key of knowledge”? What does that mean, and how might people still do this today? Luke 11:52

These questions invite you to wrestle with the text, seeing both its challenges and insights. As you reflect, how do these themes resonate with your own faith journey? Leave a comment with your thoughts and questions below.

Luke 11 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully demonstrates Jesus’ role as the ultimate interpreter of Torah and mediator between God and humanity. His teaching on prayer establishes a new paradigm of approaching God based on His work of making us children of the Father. The intimacy He introduces in addressing God as “Father” anticipates the Spirit of adoption described in Romans 8:15.

The controversy over Jesus’ authority in casting out demons points to His identity as the promised Messiah who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). His reference to being “stronger than the strong man” reveals His role in binding Satan and plundering his kingdom, fulfilling prophetic expectations of the Messianic age. This spiritual victory would find its ultimate expression at the cross, where principalities and powers would be disarmed (Colossians 2:15).

Luke 11 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter resonates deeply with various Biblical themes and texts. The Lord’s Prayer echoes Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 8, particularly in its emphasis on God’s name being hallowed and His kingdom coming. The “finger of God” reference recalls not only the Exodus narrative but also Daniel 5:5‘s writing on the wall, suggesting divine intervention and judgment.

Jesus’ teaching about seeking and finding parallels Jeremiah 29:13‘s promise that those who seek God wholeheartedly will find Him. The imagery of light and lamp connects to Psalm 119:105 and Isaiah 42:6, where God’s word and the Messiah respectively serve as light to the nations.

The woes against religious leaders echo Isaiah 5‘s pronouncements and Malachi’s criticisms of corrupt priesthood. The reference to the blood of prophets connects to 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 and anticipates Jesus’ own suffering.

Luke 11 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our prayer life and spiritual authenticity. The Lord’s Prayer isn’t merely a text to recite but a pattern for aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. Each phrase invites us to participate in God’s kingdom work: hallowing His name through our lives, seeking His kingdom’s advancement, trusting Him for provision, extending and receiving forgiveness, and relying on His protection.

Jesus’ teachings on persistence in prayer encourage us not to give up when answers seem delayed. The Father’s goodness surpasses our earthly understanding of generosity, and His greatest gift—the Holy Spirit—is available to all who ask. This should inspire confidence in approaching God with our needs while maintaining focus on spiritual priorities.

The warnings against religious hypocrisy remind us to cultivate internal righteousness rather than mere external observance. True spirituality affects both our private devotion and public ethics, particularly in how we treat others and handle responsibilities of leadership or influence.

Did You Know

The Lord’s Prayer in Luke contains five petitions compared to Matthew’s seven, suggesting Luke preserved an earlier, more concise version that was later expanded for liturgical use in Matthew’s Jewish-Christian community.
The phrase “daily bread” (ἐπιούσιον) is so rare it doesn’t appear in any other ancient Greek literature outside the Lord’s Prayer, leading to centuries of scholarly debate about its precise meaning.
The Jewish custom of ritual hand washing mentioned in this chapter wasn’t originally biblical but developed during the Second Temple period as a way of extending temple purity practices to daily life.
The reference to “binding the strong man” draws on ancient near eastern treaty language where victorious kings would bind defeated rulers, symbolizing complete dominion.
The practice of building prophets’ tombs (v.47-51) was a significant activity in first-century Judaism, with elaborate monuments being constructed to honor ancient prophets while current prophetic voices were often rejected.
The “key of knowledge” metaphor referenced a literal key given to scribes upon their ordination, symbolizing their authority to interpret Scripture.
The critique of tithing mint, rue, and herbs addressed a real rabbinic debate about whether garden herbs required tithing, as they weren’t explicitly mentioned in Torah.
The placement of blood responsibility “from Abel to Zechariah” spans the first and last martyrdoms in the Hebrew Bible’s arrangement (Genesis to Chronicles), serving as a merism (beginning and end) for all martyrs.
The warning about the “light within you being darkness” draws on ancient Jewish concepts of the יצר הרע (evil inclination) corrupting one’s ability to discern truth.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46871

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