“And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.”
It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us — the spirit's attempts to kill the boy (fire, water) communicate the destructive intent of the demonic — not merely to possess but to destroy. If you can do anything: the father's faith is conditional — he has just watched the disciples fail, and his confidence has been shaken. The if you can is the chapter's theological moment, which Jesus will immediately reframe. Take pity on us — the father identifies with his son's suffering: us, not merely him.
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