Matthew 17:21 Exclusion Explanation
Matthew 17:21 states, "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" (LITV) [1]. This verse appears in some manuscripts of Matthew's Gospel but is absent from others. Its exclusion from many modern translations is due to textual criticism, which suggests it was likely a later addition, possibly influenced by the parallel passage in Mark 9:29.
The immediate context of this verse, where it does appear, is Jesus's disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy (Matthew 17:14-20). Jesus rebukes their lack of faith and then, in some traditions, adds this statement about prayer and fasting as the means to overcome particularly stubborn spiritual forces [1]. This passage follows Jesus's first prediction of his passion—his suffering, crucifixion, and death—which is a significant turning point in the narrative, revealing the cost of discipleship [7].
The concept of "exclusion" or being "cut off" appears elsewhere in biblical texts, though not directly related to Matthew 17:21. In the Old Testament, being "cut off" could mean an early death by divine judgment, execution by the community, or banishment from the Israelite community, akin to excommunication [2]. This idea of exclusion for holiness is also seen in the New Testament, where unrepentant individuals are to be considered like pagans or tax collectors, leading to church discipline by exclusion (excommunication) [5]. This discipline aims for the restoration of the wayward to holiness, not vindictive retribution [5].
While Matthew 17:21 specifically addresses the power of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare, the broader theme of exclusion in Matthew's Gospel often relates to those who reject God's word or the Messiah. For instance, parables in Matthew 21 and 22 illustrate how Israel, by rejecting the Messiah, forfeited its privilege as God's chosen people, leading to the raising up of the church in its place [3, 6]. The idea that "many are called, but few are chosen" also highlights a form of divine selection and exclusion [4].
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 17:21 (LITV) — But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 7:20: 7:20-21 cut off: Three interpretations are possible for this expression, all of them very grave: (1) The person was subject to God’s judgment and faced an early death by natural causes (17:10-14). (2) The person was to be executed by the community (cp. Exod 31:14). (3) The person lost communal membership in Israel, either by banishment (such as by excommunication) or by shunning the person and treating him or her as unclean (Lev 18:24-30; cp. 23:29-30, where “cut off” seems distinct from “destroy”).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 21:28: 21:28–22:14 Three parables expose the guilt of those who had rejected the Messiah and forfeited their privilege as God’s chosen people. The new people of God are only those who embrace the Messiah. 21:28-32 This parable continues the point about John’s significance.”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 22:14: For many are called, but few are chosen--So Mat 19:30. See on Mat 20:16. Next: Matthew Chapter 23”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:17: 18:17 The church is the local Christian community. • The unrepentant person is to be considered a pagan or a corrupt tax collector, a wicked transgressor of the law. Church discipline by exclusion (excommunication; see Acts 5:1-6; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5:1-13; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Gal 5:7-12; 2 Thes 3:14-15) is rooted in the conviction that God’s people are to be holy and that sin corrupts fellowship, both between people and between the people and God. The goal is neither vindictive retribution nor a public display of power, but restoration of the wayward to holiness and f”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 22:1: 22:1-14 In this parable, Israel, having repeatedly rejected God’s word in the past, rejects the Messiah and is judged as a result. In Israel’s place, God raised up the church (16:17-19; 21:43), of which righteousness is also expected (Rom 11:11-24).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 16:21: 16:21-28 Jesus, now officially recognized by his disciples as the Messiah, begins to reveal a startling aspect of his mission: He must suffer before entering his glory (16:21-23), and those who follow him will meet a similar fate (16:24-28). 16:21 This is the first of three predictions of Jesus’ passion—his suffering through betrayal, crucifixion, and death (see also 17:22-23; 20:18-19). Each prediction gives a lesson on the cost of discipleship (16:24-27; 20:20-28). • That he would suffer was God’s sovereign and necessary purpose for the Messiah (see 17:12).”