What is the meaning of Matthew 7:10? Or if he asks for a fish • Jesus continues His illustration of earthly fathers to show how God responds to prayer. • A “fish” in first-century Galilee was an ordinary, nutritious staple—something basic and good. The child isn’t begging for luxury but for daily provision, echoing the Lord’s earlier instruction, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). • Scripture consistently portrays God as eager to meet legitimate needs: “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made” (Psalm 145:9). • Parallel passage Luke 11:11 reinforces the point by repeating the same scenario, confirming Jesus means literal, tangible provision. • The request pictures prayer that aligns with God’s revealed will—seeking sustenance, strength, and spiritual nourishment (John 6:35; Philippians 4:19). will give him a snake? • A snake in Scripture often symbolizes danger or evil (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9). No loving father would swap a nourishing fish for something harmful or useless. • Jesus employs a rhetorical question: the obvious “No!” highlights God’s greater faithfulness. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11). • The contrast underlines God’s integrity: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). • Romans 8:32 drives the truth home—having given His Son, God will certainly not withhold anything truly beneficial. • The verse also guards us from doubting God’s motives when His answer differs from our expectation. He never tricks or harms His children; He may simply know a better “fish” or postpone the gift for our good (Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 12:10-11). summary Matthew 7:10 assures us that when we come to God with honest, need-based requests, He will never respond with something harmful or deceptive. Just as flawed human parents give good, appropriate gifts, our perfect Father delights to supply what truly nourishes body and soul, always acting for our ultimate good and His glory. |
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