What does Matthew 7:10 mean?

Explanation

[Matthew 7:10] introduces a rhetorical question illustrating the nature of God the Father's goodness and care when providing for His children. In the context of the verse, Jesus is teaching about prayer and the assurance that God will give good things to those who ask Him.

The verse follows another rhetorical question in verse 9, "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" The essence of these verses is to show that just as a good earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children, God, being the perfect Father, will certainly not give something harmful when His children ask for something good, like a fish.

Historical Context

Matthew's Gospel is generally believed to have been written between AD 80 and 90, primarily addressing a Jewish audience.

At that time, the relationship between a father and child was strongly based on the father's role as a provider and protector.

Breads and fishes were common foods that a child might ask for, and serpents were regarded as dangerous and undesirable.

The contrasting images would have been immediately clear to Jesus' listeners, exemplifying the absurdity of God giving something harmful when asked for something beneficial.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions have interpreted this verse in various ways.

Some emphasize the nature of God as a loving Father who provides for His children, extending the passage to encompass all aspects of spiritual and physical provision.

Others focus on the concept of prayer, taking the verse as an encouragement that God hears and responds to prayer with wisdom and goodness.

Still, some view it as a reassurance that God will not lead His followers into temptation or evil when they are seeking what is good.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching can be a source of comfort and assurance for believers.

It advises them to approach God with confidence in prayer, knowing that He is attentive to their needs and desires to give them good things.

It can also teach believers to align their requests with what is good and beneficial, as defined by God's wisdom, rather than merely asking for personal desires without discernment.

Cross-References

• [Matthew 7:9] "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?"
• [Luke 11:11-13] "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?"
• [James 1:17] "Every 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."
• [1 John 5:14-15] "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us..."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse are:

• "ἰχθὺς" (ichthys) meaning "fish" - denoting the provision being sought, something good and fitting for consumption.
• "ὄφις" (ophis) meaning "serpent" - representing something harmful and undesirable.

Their contrasting usage in this context emphasizes the absurdity of a father providing something potentially dangerous in place of a needed and good gift.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the imagery of a serpent often carried negative connotations, such as chaos, evil, or deceit (as in the Garden of Eden narrative).

The idea of a divine being providing for their worshippers is common in many religious traditions, but the personal and paternal imagery here is distinctly Judeo-Christian, contrasting with the more transactional or appeasement-based relationships between gods and humans in other ancient myths.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse speaks to a basic human understanding of the need for food and the avoidance of harm, which is grounded in survival instincts.

Parental care in providing sustenance and protection is observed across many species, including humans, as vital for the offspring's survival.

These biological imperatives resonate with the analogy Jesus employs, making the message understood across cultural and temporal boundaries.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

• John Calvin highlights the kindness and tenderness of God as a Father when He responds to our requests.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the readiness and willingness of God to hear and answer prayers far better than we can even ask or think.
• William Barclay underscores the trust that this verse is meant to inspire in believers regarding the nature of God, assuring that God's gifts are always good, even if they don't always appear so immediately.