Luke 17:5

Luke 17:5, in plain English

After hearing about unlimited forgiveness, the apostles say what we're all thinking: 'Lord, increase our faith!' They know they can't do this in their own strength.

Why it's here

This is one of the most relatable moments in the Gospels. Jesus asks the impossible, and the disciples admit they need help.

Who's speaking

The apostles speak with honest vulnerability, asking for what they know they lack.

Where it sits in the story

It's the perfect response: 'We hear what you're asking, Jesus, and we don't have enough faith for that. Help us.'

The scholarly reading

The apostles' request — 'Increase our faith' (prosthes hēmin pistin) — responds to the seemingly impossible demands of unlimited forgiveness. They recognize that such radical obedience requires divine empowerment.

Language and setting

This is the only place in the Gospels where the disciples explicitly request more faith. The request acknowledges that Jesus's ethical demands exceed natural human capacity.

Voice

The apostles address Jesus as 'Lord' (kyrie), making a request that reveals both their honesty about their limitations and their desire for spiritual growth.

Significance

Overwhelmed by Jesus's call to radical forgiveness, the apostles make the most honest request possible: 'Lord, give us more faith — we can't do this on our own.'

3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

6And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

7Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

Read all of Luke 17 — Ten lepers are cleansed, but only one returns to say thank you — and he's the outsider. Jesus teaches that the kingdom comes without warning.