Luke 11:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:13
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, mercy, obedience. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-54: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 11:13
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Analysis
Jesus concludes teaching on prayer: 'how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?' The phrase 'how much more' (Greek 'posō mallon,' πόσῳ μᾶλλον) argues from lesser to greater—if sinful human fathers give good gifts, infinitely more will the perfect heavenly Father give. The greatest gift is 'the Holy Spirit'—not material blessings but God Himself dwelling in us. The condition is simple: 'to them that ask'—prayer is the means. God gives His Spirit to those who ask, enabling relationship, transformation, and service. The Spirit is Christianity's defining gift.
Historical Context
This concludes Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer (vv. 5-13), using a parable about a friend's persistence and father-son relationship to illustrate God's responsiveness. Matthew's parallel says God gives 'good things' (Matthew 7:11); Luke specifies 'the Holy Spirit'—the ultimate good thing. Before Pentecost, the Spirit came on specific people for specific tasks. After Pentecost, the Spirit indwells all believers permanently (Acts 2). Jesus' promise anticipated this new covenant reality—the Spirit dwelling in believers (Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27). Asking for the Spirit means desiring God's presence, power, and transformation, not material blessings.
Reflection
- Why is the Holy Spirit the greatest gift the Father can give, surpassing all material or circumstantial blessings?
- What does 'to them that ask' teach about prayer as the means of receiving the Spirit's fullness and power?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Evil: Matthew 7:11
- Spirit: Proverbs 1:23, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28
- Holy: Acts 2:38
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 49:15, Matthew 6:14, 6:30, John 4:10, Romans 8:32