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Importunity

theological_term theological_term standard

Importunity means earnest, persistent pleading, especially persistent prayer that continues to seek God's help in faith.

At a Glance

Persistent, earnest pleading before God, especially in prayer.

Key Points

Description

Importunity is an older English term for urgent, persistent entreaty. In the Bible it is especially associated with persevering prayer, the kind that keeps asking, seeking, and knocking rather than giving up quickly. The KJV uses the word in Luke 11:8, and the broader biblical theme is also seen in Jesus' teaching on prayer in Luke 11:5-13 and Luke 18:1-8. Properly understood, importunity is not an attempt to coerce God by repeated words; it is steadfast dependence that continues to appeal to His mercy, wisdom, and fatherly care.

Biblical Context

Jesus' teaching on prayer includes persistence, confidence, and trust in the Father's goodness. The parable of the friend at midnight (Luke 11) and the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18) both encourage believers to keep praying rather than lose heart.

Historical Context

Importunity is chiefly an older English devotional term, widely known from the language of the KJV and later Christian writing. Its continuing value is explanatory rather than technical: it summarizes the biblical idea of perseverance in asking.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The parables linked with importunity reflect first-century realities of hospitality, social obligation, and the public honor-shame world. In that setting, persistent asking could press a real obligation rather than mere inconvenience, helping illustrate why Jesus used such examples to teach perseverance in prayer.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

In Luke 11:8 the KJV renders the Greek idea of shameless persistence or boldness as 'importunity.' The term is an English way of expressing the underlying concept rather than a direct technical Bible word.

Theological Significance

Importunity highlights perseverance in prayer, confidence in God's fatherly goodness, and the call not to lose heart. It supports a biblical doctrine of prayer that is steady, obedient, and expectant without becoming presumptuous.

Philosophical Explanation

Persistent asking does not change God's character or force His will. Instead, prayer is one means God appoints for His people to depend on Him, align their desires with His wisdom, and continue seeking His help in faith.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not read importunity as manipulation, verbal pressure, or mechanical repetition. The emphasis is persistence with humility, not the idea that God grants requests only after human pleading becomes sufficiently intense.

Major Views

Most interpreters connect importunity with the persistence taught in Luke 11 and Luke 18. Some stress boldness or shamelessness in the original idea, while others emphasize perseverance; both senses support the same practical point of continued prayer.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Biblical persistence in prayer is commanded and encouraged. It must be distinguished from pagan-style repetition, self-willed demand, or any suggestion that humans can coerce God.

Practical Significance

Importunity encourages believers to keep praying when answers are delayed, trusting God's timing and wisdom. It also reminds Christians that discouragement is not a reason to stop seeking the Lord.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Importunity

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