Luke 11:8

“I say unto you, etc.] This is the accommodation of the parable; to these words are premised, in the Vulgate Latin version, the following, “if he continue knocking”: though he will not rise and give him, because he is a friend; though mere friendship will not influence and engage him to rise from his bed, at such an unseasonable time, and fulfil the request of his friend; yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth: as he asks for, or more, if necessary: the design of this parable, is the same with that of the widow and the unjust judge, in (<421801>Luke 18:1-6) which is to show the force of importunity, where friendship, as here, and the fear of God, and…”

“importunity--The word is a strong one--"shamelessness"; persisting in the face of all that seemed reasonable, and refusing to take a denial. as many, &c.--His reluctance once overcome, all the claims of friendship and necessity are felt to the full. The sense is obvious: If the churlish and self-indulgent--deaf both to friendship and necessity--can after a positive refusal, be won over, by sheer persistency, to do all that is needed, how much more may the same determined perseverance in prayer be expected to prevail with Him whose very nature is "rich unto all that call upon Him" (Rom 10:12).”

“I tell you - The Latin Vulgate here adds, “if he shall continue knocking.” Though this is not in the Greek, yet it is indispensable that it should be understood in order to the sense. Knocking “once” would not denote “importunity,” but it was because he “continued” knocking. His importunity - His troublesome perseverance; his continuing to disturb the man, and refusing to take any denial. The word “importunity” denotes perseverance in an object, without any regard to time, place, or circumstances - an improper perseverance. By this the man was influenced. Rather than be disturbed he would rise and give what was asked. This is to be applied to God in no other sense than that he often hears…”

“11:8 because of your shameless persistence (or in order to avoid shame, or so his reputation won’t be damaged): Shame would also lie on the man who didn’t want to get up, since hospitality was a community requirement. God protects his good name by providing for his people.”

“because of: Luk 18:1-8; Gen 32:26; Mat 15:22-28; Rom 15:30; Co2 12:8; Col 2:1, Col 4:12 Luke 11:9”