Matthew 7:11
What does Matthew 7:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:11 means
This verse provides the powerful conclusion to the argument about prayer, drawing a contrast between imperfect human fathers and the perfect heavenly Father. Jesus acknowledges that human fathers are 'evil' in comparison to God's perfect holiness, yet even they know how to give 'good gifts' to their children. The profound implication is that God, who is perfectly good, will 'how much more' abundantly give 'good things' (or the Holy Spirit, according to Luke 11:13) to those who ask Him. This assures believers of God's benevolent character and His eagerness to bless His children.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
KJV
King James Version · 1611If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If you, then, being evil, are able to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who make requests to him?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if, therefore, ye being evil, have known good gifts to give to your children, how much more shall your Father who <FI>is<Fi> in the heavens give good things to those asking him?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If therefore ye, being wicked, know [how] to give good gifts to your children, how much rather shall your Father who is in the heavens give good things to them that ask of him?
Context
This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer and God's generous fatherly character. It draws the pivotal contrast between earthly and heavenly fathers, solidifying the assurance of God's willingness to give good gifts. This promise of God's provision and readiness to hear prayer transitions the Sermon on the Mount to a new section, introducing a foundational principle for all human interaction and righteous living via the Golden Rule.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
- Genesis 8:21
And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- Hosea 11:8
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.
- 2 Samuel 7:19
And this was yet a small thing in thine eyes, O Lord Jehovah; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of men, O Lord Jehovah!
- Galatians 3:22
But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
- Hosea 14:2
Take with you words, and return unto Jehovah: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will we render as bullocks the offering of our lips.
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