Matthew 17:15 is a profoundly poignant verse that forms the central plea of a desperate father to Jesus, following the dramatic events of the Transfiguration. The verse reads in the New King James Version (NKJV): “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.”
This text, found immediately after Jesus descends from the mountain with Peter, James, and John, serves as a crucial bridge from a moment of divine glory to a scene of human suffering, highlighting the accessibility and compassion of the Christ.
By examining its historical context, original language, commentary, and application, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of this powerful scriptural moment.
Matthew 17:15: Historical and Literary Context
To fully grasp Matthew 17:15, we must place it within its narrative flow. This verse is the beginning of the healing of the demon-possessed boy, which is one of the most critical miracles demonstrating the failure of the disciples and the supreme power of Jesus.
- Setting the Scene: The episode immediately follows the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–13). Jesus, Peter, James, and John have just experienced a glorious revelation of Christ’s divine nature on a “high mountain.” Returning to the crowd below (v. 14), they encounter the other nine disciples locked in a fruitless argument with the scribes and a distressed father. This contrast—from heavenly glory to earthly failure and suffering—underscores Jesus’ mission.
- Widespread Suffering: In the 1st-century Jewish context, severe neurological disorders, especially those involving seizures, were often associated with demonic possession. The father’s descriptive language about the boy falling into “the fire and … the water” reflects the violent, self-destructive nature of the seizures and the constant mortal danger the boy was in. This vivid description was meant to elicit immediate empathy and urgency.
- Disciples’ Failure: The broader context includes the key detail (v. 16) that the disciples, despite having been given authority to cast out demons previously (Matthew 10:1), could not cure the boy. This sets the stage for Jesus’ exasperated rebuke of their “little faith” (v. 20), making the father’s humble, direct plea to Jesus all the more powerful.
Matthew 17:15: Lexical Analysis and Breakdown of the Original Greek
Understanding the original Koine Greek provides deeper insight into the father’s words and the boy’s condition. The key phrase and word analysis from Matthew 17:15 (LXX Matthew 17:15, or the interlinear): “καὶ λέγων, Κύριε, ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν, ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς πάσχει· πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ.”
- Κύριε (Kurie): Meaning “Lord” or “Master.” This title, derived from ∗kuros∗ (authority), is a term of respect, but in this context, it carries profound significance, acknowledging Jesus’ superior authority and power—especially in contrast to the failed efforts of his disciples. The father’s faith is immediately evident in his address.
- ἐλέησόν (eleēson): This is an Aorist Active Imperative form of the verb ∗eleeoˉ∗, meaning “have mercy” or “have pity.” The use of the Aorist Imperative indicates an urgent, direct request for a definitive action now. It is a profound appeal to Jesus’ compassion, not a request for a magical formula.
- σεληνιάζεται (selēniazetai): This is the most crucial term. It means “is moonstruck” or “is a lunatic.” It derives from ∗seleˉneˉ∗, meaning “moon.” In ancient Greek thought, and as reflected in the King James Version’s translation “lunatick,” it was commonly believed that the moon’s phases influenced certain physical and mental disorders, particularly epilepsy (as modern translations often render it) or seizures. The verb is in the Present Middle/Passive Indicative, suggesting the boy is currently in the state and actively or passively undergoing this affliction. This condition is explicitly linked to demon possession in the immediate subsequent verses (v. 18), where Jesus “rebuked the demon.” This highlights the biblical understanding that while a physical condition (epilepsy) may exist, it could, in some cases, be exacerbated or caused by spiritual affliction (demon possession).
- κακῶς πάσχει (kakōs paschei): Meaning “suffers badly” or “is grievously ill.” The adverb ∗kakoˉs∗ (badly) intensifies the verb ∗paschei∗ (he suffers), emphasizing the extreme agony and severity of the boy’s condition.
- πολλάκις (pollakis): Meaning “often” or “many times.” This adverb is used twice, underscoring the constant, recurring nature of the seizures, reinforcing the danger from falling into the fire (τὸ πῦρ, to pyr) or the water (τὸ ὕδωρ, to hydōr).
Matthew 17:15: Comprehensive Commentary and Theological Insights
Matthew 17:15 is a foundational verse for understanding the intersection of human need, divine power, and genuine faith.
- The Power of a Plea for Mercy: The father’s opening, “Lord, have mercy,” is a powerful model of prayer. He doesn’t demand, nor does he offer a justification based on his own merit. He throws himself entirely upon the compassion (∗eleos∗) of Jesus. This establishes a theological truth: genuine prayer begins with the recognition of one’s own helplessness and the total sufficiency of God’s grace.
- Illness and Spiritual Struggle: The description of the boy’s malady using selēniazetai (lunatic/epileptic) followed by Jesus casting out a demon (v. 18) teaches us that suffering can have both physiological and spiritual dimensions. For the reader seeking biblical perspective on mental health and suffering, this passage is key. It shows that Jesus’ healing ministry addressed the totality of human brokenness, curing both the physical manifestation and the underlying spiritual cause. The ultimate solution was not in human effort (the disciples failed), but in divine, commanding authority.
- A Symbol of Mortal Danger: The constant threat of falling into fire or water is highly symbolic. These two elements represent the ultimate, relentless dangers of a fallen world, often leading to destruction. For the boy, they are the constant, visible threat to his life caused by his affliction. For the believer, they can symbolize the trials and temptations—the spiritual fires and waters of despair—that threaten to overcome us, illustrating the urgency of seeking Jesus’ protection.
Matthew 17:15 Application: Modern Relevance and Faith Development
Matthew 17:15 is intensely practical for modern believers and provides significant takeaways for Christian living, prayer, and spiritual development.
- The Practice of Intercession: The father serves as an exemplary figure of parental intercession. His love for his son drove him to humble himself and seek the only true source of help. This encourages all believers to persistently intercede for the afflictions of their loved ones, not giving up even when other human efforts (like the disciples’ attempts) have failed.
- Focusing on the Object of Faith: The passage critiques misplaced faith. The disciples had the authority but lacked the faith in the moment, a failure Jesus attributes to their “unbelief” (v. 20). The father, by contrast, placed his faith entirely in Jesus, bypassing the failed human agents. The core application is a powerful message: faith is not about the size of one’s belief, but the greatness of the Person one believes in. When facing “mountain-moving” problems (v. 20), our trust must be singularly focused on the Lord’s omnipotent authority.
- A Call for Urgent Mercy: Just as the father cried out for immediate mercy (∗eleeˉson∗), the verse reminds us that in times of deep crisis and suffering, our first, most urgent response should be a plea for the Lord’s compassion and intervention. This is a perpetual model for crisis prayer—a direct and humble cry to the Master. The story assures us that Jesus always descends from the mountain of glory to meet us in the valley of human need.
Matthew 17:15, therefore, is far more than a simple petition; it is a profound declaration of need and faith, an instructional model for seeking divine help, and a timeless reminder that Jesus’ power is always available, even when the efforts of his followers fall short.