Log inSign up

Luke 11 · a question people ask

The friend in bed says, "Don’t bother me" (11:7). Is God like that friend?

In the text

Jesus doesn't say who the friend in bed stands for. Here are his words in their order. "Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread" (11:5), and the friend "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’?" (11:7). Then: "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." (11:8) (tap persistence). Then: "I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you" (11:9), and "For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened." (11:10). Then the fathers, and "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?" (11:13). Luke doesn't call the story of the friend a parable. These notes don't say what it pictures, and add nothing to his words.

From Favor's study of Luke 11

Luke 11: Lord, teach us to pray

One of his disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray", when Jesus had finished praying. The words he gave them begin with "Our Father", and his teaching on asking ends with a father too: "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekLuke 11 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Luke 11

All questions about Luke →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions