Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

MATTHEW 17:21KJV
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Matthew 17:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:21 mean?

Matthew 17:21 says that certain difficult situations, specifically a kind of demon possession, can only be resolved through prayer and fasting. Jesus is explaining that some spiritual challenges require deeper dependence on God, shown by dedicated prayer and self-denial.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after they were unable to cast out a demon from a boy. The verse highlights that not all problems are the same; some require more earnest spiritual effort. Jesus points out that prayer and fasting are needed for dealing with especially stubborn or powerful spiritual forces.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:21

  • "kind" (γένος, génos): This word means a type, sort, or class. Here, it refers to a particular category of demon that is more difficult to confront, suggesting not all spiritual problems are alike.
  • "prayer" (προσευχή, proseuchē): This is the common Greek word for prayer, emphasizing direct communication with God. The verse stresses that spiritual authority comes from reliance on God, not just human effort.
  • "fasting" (νηστεία, nēsteia): This means abstaining from food for spiritual reasons. Including fasting alongside prayer shows that extra dedication and humility are sometimes needed in seeking God's help.

Why Matthew 17:21 matters

  • Matthew 17:21 clarifies that spiritual struggles can differ in intensity, and some require more than routine faith practices.
  • The verse connects to the disciples’ earlier failure, showing that spiritual power is not automatic but linked to a life of prayerful dependence.
  • This teaching helps explain why Jesus sometimes withdrew to pray and fast, modeling the deeper spiritual preparation needed for certain challenges.

Where else these words appear

“fasting” Greek G3521 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

“kind” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

“goeth” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

“prayer” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.