But this kind
This phrase refers to a specific type of demon or spiritual challenge that requires a deeper level of spiritual engagement. In the context of Matthew 17, Jesus is addressing the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy. The term "this kind" suggests that there are varying levels of spiritual warfare, and some require more than the usual approach. This aligns with Ephesians 6:12, which speaks of wrestling against spiritual forces of evil.

does not go out
The phrase indicates the necessity of a deliberate and powerful action to expel the demon. In the Gospels, Jesus often casts out demons with a word, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm. The disciples' failure here highlights the need for a deeper reliance on spiritual disciplines. This echoes Mark 9:29, where Jesus also emphasizes the need for prayer.

except by prayer
Prayer is presented as a crucial element in overcoming significant spiritual obstacles. It is a means of aligning oneself with God's will and accessing His power. Throughout the Bible, prayer is shown as a powerful tool for believers, as seen in James 5:16, which states that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray, setting an example for His followers.

and fasting.
Fasting, coupled with prayer, is depicted as a way to intensify one's spiritual focus and dependence on God. In biblical times, fasting was a common practice for seeking God's guidance, repentance, or deliverance, as seen in the story of Esther (Esther 4:16) and the early church (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting is a form of self-denial that can heighten spiritual sensitivity and demonstrate earnestness in seeking God's intervention.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the spiritual discipline required to cast out certain demons.

2. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who were unable to cast out a demon from a boy, prompting Jesus to explain the necessity of prayer and fasting.

3. The Boy with a Demon
A young boy possessed by a demon, whose condition prompted the discussion on spiritual authority and discipline.

4. The Father of the Boy
He brought his son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him, demonstrating faith and desperation for his son's deliverance.

5. The Region of Galilee
The geographical setting where this event takes place, a region where Jesus performed many miracles and teachings.The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that prepare believers to face spiritual challenges and exercise authority over demonic forces.

Faith and Spiritual Authority
Faith is essential in exercising spiritual authority. Jesus highlights that certain spiritual victories require a deeper level of faith, cultivated through prayer and fasting.

Dependence on God
This passage teaches believers to rely on God's power rather than their own strength. Prayer and fasting are ways to express dependence on God.

Spiritual Preparation
Just as Jesus prepared His disciples, believers today must be spiritually prepared to face challenges. Regular prayer and fasting can strengthen one's spiritual readiness.

Community and Support
The disciples' inability to cast out the demon reminds us of the importance of community and seeking support from fellow believers in spiritual battles.1. What is the meaning of Matthew 17:21?

2. How does Matthew 17:21 emphasize the importance of prayer and fasting in faith?

3. What role do prayer and fasting play in overcoming spiritual challenges today?

4. How can Matthew 17:21 inspire deeper commitment to spiritual disciplines in daily life?

5. Which other scriptures highlight the power of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare?

6. How can we incorporate prayer and fasting to strengthen our faith community?

7. Why is Matthew 17:21 missing in some Bible translations?

8. How does fasting enhance the power of prayer in Matthew 17:21?

9. What historical evidence supports the inclusion of Matthew 17:21 in early manuscripts?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 17?

11. Why were certain verses removed from the NIV Bible?

12. What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?

13. What power does praying together hold?

14. What is a spiritual spouse?However

“Jesus said to them… ‘However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” (Matthew 17:20-21)

• “However” links verse 21 to verse 20 where Jesus explains the disciples’ failure: “Because of your little faith.” The transition shows that weak faith is not passive; it must be strengthened through spiritual disciplines.

• The exchange follows the Transfiguration (17:1-13) and immediately precedes Jesus’ reminder of His coming death and resurrection (17:22-23), underscoring that victory over evil and the advance of God’s plan move together (cf. Luke 9:37-45).

• Cross references: Mark 9:28-29 recounts the same event and includes a similar “prayer” requirement; 1 John 5:4 reminds believers that faith overcomes the world.

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This Kind

• “This kind” refers to a particularly stubborn or powerful demonic spirit (cf. Mark 5:9; Ephesians 6:12). Not every spiritual battle is identical; some require deeper preparation.

• Scripture shows varying ranks among fallen angels (Daniel 10:13). Jesus affirms that while all demons are subject to His authority, some resist ordinary approaches and call for intensified reliance on God.

• The phrase also implies discernment: believers must recognize the nature of the conflict they face (2 Corinthians 2:11).

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Does Not Go Out

• “Go out” stresses expulsion; the demon’s departure is non-negotiable once confronted in Christ’s name (Luke 4:36; Acts 16:18).

• The disciples had already cast out demons earlier (Matthew 10:1), so their present failure highlights that past victories do not guarantee automatic success. Ongoing dependence is essential (John 15:5).

• Jesus’ wording shows certainty: there is a way for deliverance, but it demands the right spiritual posture.

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Except by Prayer and Fasting

• Prayer: direct communion with the Father, expressing dependence and aligning the heart with God’s will (Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:16).

• Fasting: voluntary abstaining from food (and sometimes other comforts) to intensify focus on God (Ezra 8:23; Acts 13:2-3).

• Together they:

– Deepen humility (Psalm 35:13)

– Heighten spiritual sensitivity (Daniel 9:3)

– Strengthen faith through undistracted seeking (Hebrews 11:6)

• Jesus Himself practiced both (Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 5:16), modeling the pattern He now prescribes.

• The phrase does not create a ritualistic formula but highlights attitudes—perseverance, self-denial, and wholehearted trust—as indispensable for confronting entrenched evil.

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Summary

Matthew 17:21 teaches that certain spiritual challenges yield only when believers move beyond casual faith to earnest, disciplined dependence on God. Jesus identifies prayer and fasting as the God-ordained means to strengthen faith, break demonic resistance, and display His victorious authority.

(21) This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.--The words imply degrees in the intensity of the forms of evil ascribed to demons amounting to a generic difference. Some might yield before the energy of a human will, and the power of the divine Name, and the prayers even of a weak faith. Some, like that which comes before us here, required a greater intensity of the spiritual life, to be gained by the "prayer and fasting" of which our Lord speaks. The circumstances of the case render it probable that our Lord himself had vouchsafed to fulfil both the conditions. The disciples, we know, did not as yet fast (Matthew 9:14-15), and the facts imply that they had been weak and remiss in prayer. The words are noticeable as testifying to the real ground and motive for "fasting," and to the gain for the higher life to be obtained, when it was accompanied by true prayer, by this act of conquest over the lower nature. So St. Peter's vision (Acts 10:9-10), and the appointment of Paul and Barnabas by the direct guidance of the Spirit (Acts 13:2), are both connected with fasting. And St. Paul, besides the "hunger and thirst" that came upon him as the incidents of his mission-work, speaks of himself as "in fastings often" (2Corinthians 11:27).

Verse 21. - This verse is omitted in many good manuscripts and by the Revised Version, it being considered to have been introduced from the parallel passage of St. Mark. It gives the second reason for the failure of the nine. This kind... fasting. Though all things are possible to faith, some works are more difficult of accomplishment than others. This kind can mean only this kind of evil spirit, or demons generally. But the latter interpretation is excluded by the fact that the apostles had already exercised successfully their power over devils without special prayer or fasting. The words point to a truth in the spiritual world, that there are different degrees in the Satanic hierarchy (comp. Matthew 12:45); some demons are more malignant than others, and have greater power over the souls of men. In the present case the possession was of long standing; it revolved a terrible bodily malady; it was of an intense and unusual character. The mere word of exorcism, or the name of Jesus, spoken with little spiritual faith, could net overcome the mighty enemy. The exorcist needed special preparation; he must inspire and augment his faith by prayer and self-discipline. Prayer invokes the aid of God, and puts one's self unreservedly in his hands; fasting subdues the flesh, arouses the soul's energies, brings into exercise the higher parts of man's nature. Thus equipped, a man is open to receive power from on high, and can quell the assaults of the evil one.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A weak adversative particle, generally placed second in its clause; but, on the other hand, and.

this
Τοῦτο (Touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

kind
γένος (genos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1085: Offspring, family, race, nation, kind.

does not go out,
ἐκπορεύεται (ekporeuetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1607: To depart from; to be voided, cast out; to proceed from, to be spoken; to burst forth, flow out, to be spread abroad.

except
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among.

prayer
προσευχῇ (proseuchē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4336: (a) prayer (to God), (b) a place for prayer (used by Jews, perhaps where there was no synagogue).

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

fasting.
νηστείᾳ (nēsteia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3521: Fasting, the day of atonement.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 17:21 But this kind doesn't go out except (Matt. Mat Mt)