Luke 11:12
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
3 of 9
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
will he offer
G3361
μὴ
will he offer
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 9
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Eggs (from chickens and other birds) were common protein sources in ancient Palestine. Scorpions inhabited rocky areas and often entered homes, hiding in clothing or bedding. Their pale coloring when curled could deceive in dim light. Jesus's audience immediately grasped the horror of such a substitution, making the Father's trustworthiness unmistakable.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever feared that God might give you something harmful disguised as good? How does this passage address that fear?
- How does recognizing the Holy Spirit as the Father's ultimate gift reorient your prayer requests from material to spiritual priorities?
- In what ways does the Father's gift of the Spirit exceed even the best earthly gifts fathers can give?
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Analysis & Commentary
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?—The third contrast completes Jesus's trilogy of absurd substitutions: egg for scorpion. A scorpion (σκορπίον, skorpion) when coiled resembles a pale egg, yet delivers venomous sting instead of nourishment. Palestine's scorpions (particularly Buthus species) were common household pests whose sting caused intense pain, sometimes death in children.
The progression intensifies: stone (useless deception), serpent (dangerous deception), scorpion (lethal deception). Each mock-gift grows worse, underscoring how unthinkable it is that the Father would give harmful counterfeits when His children ask for good. Verse 13 provides the apex: 'how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?' The ultimate 'good gift' isn't material but the Spirit Himself—God's empowering presence. Prayer's aim isn't manipulating God for bread, fish, eggs, but receiving the Spirit who unites us to Christ and enables Christian life.