Luke 11:12
What does Luke 11:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:12 means
Maintaining the line of reasoning from the previous verse, Jesus offers another example: if a child asks for a simple egg, would a father give a venomous scorpion? The question emphasizes the unnaturalness and maliciousness of such an act for a human parent. This further solidifies the contrast between an imperfect earthly father's basic goodness and the infinite goodness of the Heavenly Father.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if he may ask an egg, will he present to him a scorpion?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or if he shall ask an egg, will he reach him a scorpion?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890or if also he shall ask an egg, shall give him a scorpion?
Context
This verse continues the illustration of a loving earthly father's good gifts, following the examples of bread for a stone and fish for a serpent. It further establishes the clear distinction between a child's need and a parent's appropriate, good provision. This continues to build the case for God's even greater generosity, culminating in the promise of the Holy Spirit.
v.11And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a serpent?
v.12This passage
v.13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 9:10
And they have tails like unto scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt men five months.
- Ezekiel 2:6
And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
- Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.
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