Matthew 7:9
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
what
G5101
τίς
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐξ
there of
G1537
ἐξ
there of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
son
G5207
υἱὸς
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
11 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτῷ;
him
G846
αὐτῷ;
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
will he give
G3361
μὴ
will he give
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Round stones resembled bread loaves, making the comparison vivid. Ancient Middle Eastern culture emphasized family obligation to provide for children. Jesus argues from lesser to greater: if sinful human fathers provide for their children, how much more will the perfect Father?
Questions for Reflection
- How do you view God—as a reluctant giver requiring persuasion or as a generous Father delighting to give?
- What requests have you hesitated to bring to God, and why?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God is not a reluctant giver who must be begged or manipulated. He's a generous Father who loves giving good gifts to His children. If a human father wouldn't mock his son's need by giving a stone instead of bread, how much more will the Heavenly Father give what His children need?