Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:8

What does Matthew 7:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:8 means

This verse reiterates the promise of the previous verse, emphasizing the certainty of God's response to earnest prayer. It assures believers that 'everyone' who engages in asking, seeking, and knocking will indeed receive, find, and have doors opened to them. The repetition reinforces the reliability of God's character and His eagerness to respond. It removes any doubt about the effectiveness of persistent prayer, affirming that God actively desires to bless and guide those who earnestly turn to Him. This verse grounds the previous commands in a sure promise.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because to everyone who makes a request, it will be given; and he who is searching will get his desire, and to him who gives the sign, the door will be open.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for every one who is asking doth receive, and he who is seeking doth find, and to him who is knocking it shall be opened.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

Context

Directly reinforcing the command to 'ask, seek, and knock,' this verse solidifies the promise of answered prayer with an emphatic affirmation. It clarifies that the promise is universal for those who truly believe and engage in such prayer. This verse serves as a strong bridge, moving from the general assurance of answered prayer to a specific illustration of God's character as a loving Father, which will be expounded upon in the subsequent verses.

v.7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

v.8This passage

v.9Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 81:16

    He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat; And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.

  • Luke 23:42

    And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.

  • Psalms 81:10

    I am Jehovah thy God, Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

  • Acts 9:11

    And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;

  • Matthew 15:22

    And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:19

    His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the graven images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.

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