Life in its unfullness: Revisiting (Lk 11:8) in the light of papyrological evidence

Abstract

The majority of parable scholars agree that the interpretation of the parable of the Friend at Midnight (Lk 11:5–8) hinges on the meaning of the word ἀναίδειαν in Luke 11:8. Scholarly opinion, however, is divided about the meaning and attitude being described with ἀναίδειαν. Does ἀναίδειαν, which only occurs in Luke 11:8 in the New Testament, refer to a positive or negative attitude? Also, to whom does ἀναίδειαν refer in the parable? To the host (outside the door asking for help) or the neighbour (inside the door being asked for help)?