Matthew 7:10
What does Matthew 7:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:10 means
Continuing the previous analogy, Jesus poses another rhetorical question: Would a father, requested by his son for a fish, give him a dangerous serpent? Again, the obvious answer is no. This further highlights the inherent goodness and protective nature of human fathers in providing for their children's needs. The contrast between a life-sustaining fish and a dangerous serpent powerfully underscores the father's desire to give beneficial, not harmful, gifts. This analogy prepares the listener to grasp the superior love and provision of God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or if he makes a request for a fish, will give him a snake?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if a fish he may ask--a serpent will he present to him?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and if he ask a fish, will give him a serpent?
Context
This verse extends the illustration from the previous one, firmly establishing the pattern of a good earthly father's care. By offering a parallel example, it reinforces the sheer absurdity of a father giving something harmful when asked for something good. This completion of the earthly father analogy provides the necessary comparison point for Jesus to then reveal the infinitely greater generosity and goodness of God the Father, which is the capstone of this section on prayer.
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