Log inSign up

Luke 9 · a question people ask

Jesus said, "Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you?" (9:41). Whom did he mean?

In the text

Luke doesn't say. The father had said, "I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn’t" (9:40). "Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”" (9:41). Mark and Matthew give the saying in their own words: "Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me." (Mark 9:19), and "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me." (Matthew 17:17). None of the three says whom generation takes in. Christians read it in more than one way, and these notes don't choose.

The verses

“I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn’t.” Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.”
Luke 9:40-42 · World English Bible
“He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.””
Mark 9:19 · World English Bible
“Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.””
Matthew 17:17 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Luke 9

Luke 9: He set his face

On the mountain, as Jesus prayed, "the appearance of his face was altered" (9:29), and Moses and Elijah spoke of "his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (9:31). Then "he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem" (9:51).

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 9 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Luke 9

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