Why did the boy's father say "Help my unbelief!" when he first said "I believe."?

This seems contradictory for him to first say he had faith, then to ask for help with his lack of faith.

Mark 9:14 - 29

ESV - ¹⁴ And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. ¹⁵ And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked January 04 2015 • Nneoyi Abity