Matthew 17:17 stands as a poignant expression of Jesus’ deep frustration and profound authority, serving as a critical turning point in the Gospel narrative. Following the transformative event of the Transfiguration on the mountain, Jesus descends to find a crowd gathered around his remaining nine disciples who have failed to heal a demon-afflicted boy.
The verse reads: “And Jesus answered and said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him here to Me.'”
This passage is rich in theological and historical significance, offering invaluable insights into Jesus’ ministry and the state of faith among his contemporaries.
Matthew 17:17: Historical and Literary Context
The immediate historical context places this event directly after the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ divine glory and spoke with Moses and Elijah. This mountain-top experience of divine affirmation contrasts sharply with the scene at the base: a demonstration of human failure and spiritual impotence.
The father’s desperate plea follows, explaining that the disciples could not cast out the demon (Matthew 17:14-16). Jesus’ impassioned response in verse 17 is thus directed at the prevailing lack of faith witnessed in this specific situation, addressing not only the general crowd, which included skeptical scribes who were likely ridiculing the disciples, but also, implicitly, the disciples themselves for their “little faith,” as He later clarifies (Matthew 17:20).
In its literary context, this passage echoes a significant Old Testament theme. By calling them a “faithless and perverse generation,” Jesus alludes to the wilderness generation of Israel, particularly referencing Deuteronomy 32:5, which describes Israel as a “perverse and crooked generation.”
This comparison strongly suggests that Jesus viewed the current generation of Jewish people as repeating the historical pattern of rebellion, unbelief, and failure to grasp God’s power and presence, despite witnessing tremendous miracles. It highlights the disconnect between the divine revelation available through Jesus (exemplified by the Transfiguration) and the hardened hearts and lack of faith among the people.
Matthew 17:17: Lexical Analysis and Breakdown of Original Words
To fully appreciate the intensity of Jesus’ statement, a lexical analysis of the original Greek text is essential. The key terms are:
- ‘Faithless’ (ἄπιστος, apistos): This adjective means “unbelieving,” “without faith,” or “untrustworthy.” It is a strong indictment of the generation’s lack of confidence in God’s power. It moves beyond mere doubt to a state of active unbelief or refusal to commit trust.
- ‘Perverse’ (διεστραμμεˊνη, diestrammenē): This is the perfect passive participle of the verb διαστρεˊφω(diastrephō), meaning “to twist thoroughly,” “to distort,” or “to turn away.” It signifies a morally and spiritually distorted or crooked nature. The generation is not just lacking faith, but is fundamentally twisted or turned away from the right path, often used to describe moral corruption or holding opinions turned from the truth. This term directly connects Jesus’ critique to the Old Testament imagery of a rebellious Israel.
- ‘Generation’ (γενεαˊ, genea): This term refers to the people living in a specific time or era. While it could encompass the entire crowd, scribes, and disciples, in this context, it primarily refers to the general unbelief and moral distortion of the Jewish people living at that time.
The phrase “How long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?” expresses profound weariness and exasperation. The verb translated as “suffer” or “endure” (ἀνεˊχω, anechō) implies a bearing with difficulty or a patient continuance despite provocation. It underscores the immense spiritual burden Jesus carried in the face of persistent, willful unbelief, even among those closest to Him.
Matthew 17:17: Commentary and Practical Application
Commentary
The commentary tradition views Matthew 17:17 as a pivotal moment that reveals both Christ’s humanity and divinity. His human exasperation (“How long shall I suffer you?”) demonstrates the emotional toll of dealing with relentless spiritual obtuseness and unbelief, particularly as His time on earth was growing short. Yet, His divine power is immediately affirmed as He commands the demon to be brought to Him for healing, succeeding where His disciples failed.
The reproof is comprehensive:
- To the Scribes/Crowd: They were ‘faithless’ because they refused to believe in Jesus as the Messiah despite the evidence, and ‘perverse’ because they actively opposed Him and His work, often seeking to trap and ridicule.
- To the Disciples: They were included because of their little faith (ὀλιγοˊπιστος, oligopistos – a recurring term Matthew uses for them in 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8). Their failure to heal the boy stemmed from a reliance on their own endowed authority without continuous, active, and dependent faith in Jesus’ power.
Application
The enduring application of this verse is a potent challenge to modern faith:
- The Necessity of True Faith: The passage demands a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, dependent reliance on the power and authority of Christ. It is a rebuke to any form of “functional atheism” where we rely on our own abilities or methods rather than truly trusting God for the impossible.
- The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation: The label “perverse” warns against becoming spiritually “twisted” by cultural pressures, moral compromise, or intellectual pride that separates one from God’s truth. True discipleship requires a continuous turning toward, not away from, God.
- The Power of Proximity: Jesus’ final command, “Bring him here to Me,” is the ultimate solution. When human effort (like the disciples’ attempt) fails due to a lack of faith, the only recourse is to bring the problem directly into the presence and power of Christ. This remains the core principle for overcoming obstacles, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional.
Matthew 17:17 is a powerful call to examine the depth and quality of one’s own faith, urging believers to move beyond mere religious practice to a vibrant, miracle-expecting confidence in Jesus Christ.