Matthew 7:11
If 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?
Original Language Analysis
πονηροὶ
evil
G4190
πονηροὶ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
4 of 26
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
οἴδατε
know
G1492
οἴδατε
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
δώσει
give
G1325
δώσει
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 26
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόσῳ
how much
G4214
πόσῳ
how much
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
13 of 26
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
Father
G3962
πατὴρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
16 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
21 of 26
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
δώσει
give
G1325
δώσει
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
22 of 26
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Isaiah 49:15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Psalms 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.1 John 4:10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.Genesis 8:21And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Historical Context
Jewish prayers often addressed God as Father, but Jesus's intimate use of 'your Father' was distinctive. He emphasizes personal relationship, not distant deity. Luke's parallel specifies the Holy Spirit as the supreme gift (Luke 11:13)—God gives Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God as generous Father rather than harsh judge affect your approach to Him?
- What good gifts has God given you that you didn't deserve or even know to ask for?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The conclusion: if you, being evil (sinful, fallen), 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? The logic is unassailable. God's generous nature infinitely exceeds even the best human parenting.