And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' cry of "faithless and twisted generation" isn't just about the disciples' failure, but a deep weariness of the persistent unbelief he encounters daily. He's expressing not just frustration, but the profound sorrow of seeing how deeply ingrained this resistance to God's power is, even among those closest to him.
And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to be met by a distraught father and arguing scribes surrounding his struggling disciples. The disciples, unable to cast out a demon from the man's son, were being rebuked by the religious leaders, highlighting a crisis of faith among Jesus' closest followers and the surrounding crowd. Jesus' sharp words are directed at the pervasive unbelief he encounters, cutting through the religious bickering to address the deeper issue before healing the boy.
Ever feel like you're part of a generation that just can't get it right? Jesus used some harsh words, but who was He really talking to?
Jesus here calls the crowd a "faithless and twisted generation." This wasn't just a casual remark; it was a strong rebuke. The word for 'twisted' can mean something that's warped or turned away from its proper course. It suggests a deep-seated perversity, not just in belief but in actions.
While the disciples had just failed to cast out a demon, Jesus' words seem aimed more broadly. The commentary suggests He was addressing the scribes and the surrounding crowd, who were likely arguing with the disciples and mocking their inability to help. They represented the broader Jewish people of that era, who, despite seeing Jesus' miracles, were slow to accept Him as the Messiah. Their unbelief and stubbornness made them a 'twisted generation' in His eyes.
Jesus expressed frustration, asking, 'How long shall I bear with you?' What does this reveal about His heart towards us?
The phrases 'How long shall I be with you?' and 'How long shall I suffer you?' are not mere expressions of impatience. Instead, they highlight Jesus' profound, long-suffering patience. He had been with this generation, performing miracles and teaching, yet their unbelief persisted.
For Jesus, His time on earth was a mission to bring His disciples to faith. Their slowness to believe was painful for Him, not because He was easily annoyed, but because He deeply desired their full trust and salvation. This wasn't just about the current situation; it was a consistent theme of His ministry – enduring human waywardness. Yet, even in this rebuke, His ultimate goal was still to heal the boy, showing His unwavering commitment to help.
Ask a follow-up
Despite the harsh words, Jesus immediately shifts focus with a clear command. What's the significance of this pivot?
Right after the powerful rebuke of the 'faithless and twisted generation,' Jesus immediately pivots to action: 'Bring him here to me.' This command cuts through the surrounding doubt and argument.
It shows that Jesus' frustration wasn't an excuse for inaction. Even when faced with pervasive unbelief, His mission to heal and save remained paramount. He draws the focus back to the suffering child and the need for faith to be met with divine power. The message is clear: despite the failures of the people around Him, Jesus is still the source of help, and His invitation to bring needs to Him is always open. This is the moment where faith, even if weak and struggling, can be brought to the Master.
Understand the original words
apistos · Greek Adjective
Describes a lack of trust in God’s character or power; it implies a failure to rely on His promises despite evidence of His work. It denotes a condition of spiritual disbelief that hinders spiritual effectiveness.
diastrephō · Greek Adjective (participle)
Refers to being morally crooked, perverted, or deviating from the straight path of God’s will. It describes a society or group that has turned away from God's standards and become hostile or indifferent to His truth.
Jesus' sharp rebuke of the 'faithless and perverse generation' reflects a deep weariness with the persistent unbelief he encountered throughout his ministry, a struggle that was particularly acute after the disciples' failure to cast out a demon, despite recent revelatory experiences.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the settlement of foreigners in the land, creating a mixed population.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The Southern Kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon, its Temple destroyed, and many Judeans are exiled, deepening the sense of national loss and spiritual crisis.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. While a time of restoration, it's marked by challenges and lingering spiritual struggles.
c. 30 BC - AD 10
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born into a Jewish world shaped by centuries of history, prophecy, and the ongoing struggle with faith and obedience to God.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, often confronting the spiritual blindness and unbelief of the crowds and religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
The Transfiguration and Demoniac
Shortly after a glorious transfiguration experience, Jesus and his disciples encounter a father whose son is afflicted by a demon. The disciples' failure to heal the boy highlights the spiritual struggles of those around Jesus and the disciples themselves.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Ascends to Jerusalem
Jesus continues his journey towards Jerusalem, aware of his impending suffering and death, but still committed to revealing God's kingdom and calling people to faith.
This passage describes Israel's 'crooked and perverse generation,' mirroring Jesus' lament and highlighting the long-standing struggle with disbelief that He was addressing.
Mark 9:14-20This passage provides the immediate context, showing the disciples' inability to heal the boy and the crowd's questioning, which provokes Jesus' sharp rebuke.
John 14:9Jesus expresses a similar sentiment to His disciples, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?', revealing His weariness with their persistent lack of understanding and faith.
Hebrews 12:3This verse speaks of Jesus enduring such 'opposition from sinners' to Himself, echoing the 'how long shall I bear with you?' sentiment as He faced constant resistance and disbelief.
2 Timothy 3:2This verse describes people in the last days as 'lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive...,' listing characteristics that align with the 'faithless and twisted' nature Jesus observed in the generation around Him.
barnesMatthew 17:17: "Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me."
Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation! - Perverse means that which is twisted or turned from the proper direction; and is often used of the eyes, when one or both are turned from their natural position. Applied to a generation or race of people, it means that they hold opinions turned or perverted from…
bengelMatthew 17:17: "Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me."
Matthew 17:17 . Ἄπιστος , κ . τ . λ .,, faithless , etc.) By a severe rebuke the disciples are reckoned as a part of the multitude.— ἕως πότε , how long ) After Jesus had received an accession of strength on the Mount, a more grievous instance of human unbelief and misery demanded and obtained His succour; cf. Exodus 32:19 .[791]—…
Jesus' cry of "faithless and twisted generation" isn't just about the disciples' failure, but a deep weariness of the persistent unbelief he encounters daily. He's expressing not just frustration, but the profound sorrow of seeing how deeply ingrained this resistance to God's power is, even among those closest to him.
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to be met by a distraught father and arguing scribes surrounding his struggling disciples. The disciples, unable to cast out a demon from the man's son, were being rebuked by the religious leaders, highlighting a crisis of faith among Jesus' closest followers and the surrounding crowd. Jesus' sharp words are directed at the pervasive unbelief he encounters, cutting through the religious bickering to address the deeper issue before healing the boy.
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, only to be met by a distraught father and arguing scribes surrounding his struggling disciples. The disciples, unable to cast out a demon from the man's son, were being rebuked by the religious leaders, highlighting a crisis of faith among Jesus' closest followers and the surrounding crowd. Jesus' sharp words are directed at the pervasive unbelief he encounters, cutting through the religious bickering to address the deeper issue before healing the boy.
"And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”" — Jesus' cry of "faithless and twisted generation" isn't just about the disciples' failure, but a deep weariness of the persistent unbelief he encounters daily. He's expressing not just frustration, bu…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026