New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 17:19

Glory on the Mountain

Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Matthew 17:19 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 17:19, in plain English

Later, the disciples privately ask Jesus, 'Why couldn't we do it?' They're honest about their failure and want to understand what went wrong.

Why it's here

It takes humility to admit you've failed and ask why. The disciples model the right response to failure: bring it to Jesus and learn from it.

Who's speaking

The disciples approach Jesus privately with their question.

Where it sits in the story

Rather than pretending the failure didn't happen, the disciples seek understanding. Their honesty opens the door to a profound teaching.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

The disciples' private inquiry dia ti hēmeis ouk ēdynēthēmen ('why couldn't we drive it out?') shows honest self-assessment. Their willingness to examine their failure reveals genuine discipleship.

Language and setting

The private setting (kat' idian, 'privately') indicates that failure in ministry provoked reflection. Jesus' answer will redirect them from methodology to theology.

Voice

The disciples privately ask Jesus about their failure.

Significance

The disciples don't hide from their failure; they bring it to Jesus. Their question opens the door to one of His most memorable teachings on faith.

In context

Matthew 17:17–20

17“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”

18Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

19Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

20“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Read all of Matthew 17 — Three disciples witness Jesus transfigured in blinding light alongside Moses and Elijah. Then they come back down to a world that still needs healing.

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