Luke 11:9

KJV

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2504} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Ask {G154}, and {G2532} it shall be given {G1325} you {G5213}; seek {G2212}, and {G2532} ye shall find {G2147}; knock {G2925}, and {G2532} it shall be opened {G455} unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Moreover, I myself say to you: keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Berean Standard Bible

So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

American Standard Version

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:9 serves as a profound assurance from Jesus regarding the Father's benevolent readiness to respond to the persistent prayers of His children. Following the model prayer and the parable of the persistent friend, this verse encapsulates a core principle of divine accessibility: that earnest and sustained engagement in prayer will inevitably lead to a divine response, whether in the form of provision, discovery, or access to God's presence and will. It underscores God's character as a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to those who approach Him with faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extended teaching on prayer to His disciples, immediately following the [Lord's Prayer](/luke/11-2-4 "Luke 11:2-4 - The Lord's Prayer") and the [Parable of the Persistent Friend](/luke/11-5-8 "Luke 11:5-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Friend"). The disciples' request, "Lord, teach us to pray" ([Luke 11:1](/luke/11-1 "Luke 11:1 - Disciples Ask Jesus to Teach Them to Pray")), sets the stage. Jesus first provides a model prayer, then illustrates the principle of persistent prayer through the parable of a friend who, despite the late hour, grants a request due to his neighbor's shameless persistence. Luke 11:9-13 functions as the direct application and theological culmination of these teachings, moving from the human example of a reluctant friend to the infinitely more willing and generous nature of God the Father. The progression from "ask," "seek," to "knock" suggests an increasing intensity and intimacy in the prayer journey, culminating in the promise of the Holy Spirit in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, prayer was a central pillar of religious life, often formalized and communal. Rabbis commonly taught their disciples specific prayers or approaches to prayer. Jesus' teaching, however, often broke from rigid formalism, emphasizing a personal, relational approach to God as "Father" (Abba). The cultural context of hospitality, where a host was obligated to provide for guests even at great inconvenience, undergirds the [Parable of the Persistent Friend](/luke/11-5-8 "Luke 11:5-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Friend"). Jesus leverages this cultural expectation to highlight God's infinitely greater willingness to give. Unlike human reluctance or limitations, God is portrayed as eager to give good gifts. This teaching would have been revolutionary, granting ordinary people direct, confident access to the Creator, bypassing the need for intermediaries or elaborate rituals, and emphasizing a direct, familial relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 11:9 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Accessibility and Responsiveness**, assuring believers that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but a loving Father who desires to hear and respond to His children's cries. This is reinforced by the ultimate promise of the Holy Spirit in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit"). Secondly, the verse highlights the necessity of **Active and Persistent Faith**. The three imperatives—"ask," "seek," "knock"—are not passive suggestions but calls to earnest, diligent, and continuous engagement in prayer, echoing the message of the [Parable of the Persistent Widow](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). This persistence is not to manipulate God but to demonstrate trust, dependence, and perseverance, refining the petitioner's desires. Thirdly, there is a strong emphasis on the **Certainty of Outcome**. The promises "it shall be given you," "ye shall find," and "it shall be opened unto you" convey a strong assurance of divine response, not necessarily granting every specific request exactly as imagined, but promising that God will meet needs according to His perfect will and wisdom. This certainty fosters a deeper **Spiritual Growth through Seeking**, as "seeking" often implies a pursuit of God's truth, His presence, and His righteousness, leading to profound spiritual discovery and a closer relationship with Him, as also seen in the parallel teaching in [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This word, G154, means "to ask (in general case); to beg, call for, crave, desire, require." In the context of prayer, it refers to making a request or petition to God. The present imperative tense ("Ask!") indicates a continuous or habitual action, implying "keep on asking." It denotes a humble yet confident approach to a superior, acknowledging dependence.
* **Seek (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This word, G2212, means "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." In this verse, it implies a more active, intentional search, often for something hidden or requiring effort to find. The present imperative ("Seek!") suggests "keep on seeking," indicating a diligent pursuit, moving beyond a mere request to an active quest for understanding, truth, or God's will.
* **Knock (Greek, _kroúō'_):** This word, G2925, means simply "to rap." The present imperative ("Knock!") translates to "keep on knocking." This action implies persistence at a closed door, signifying a desire for entry or access. It suggests a final, decisive effort, indicating an earnest desire for intimacy and breakthrough into God's presence or a new dimension of His provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I say unto you, Ask":** Jesus introduces a direct, authoritative command to His disciples, emphasizing the importance of prayer. The verb "ask" (G154) is in the present imperative, conveying the sense of "keep on asking" or "continue to ask." This is not a one-time request but an ongoing posture of dependence and petition before God.
* **"and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find":** This clause presents the first two promises linked to the actions of asking and seeking. The passive voice ("it shall be given," "ye shall find") implies divine agency – God is the one who gives and enables finding. "Seek" (G2212), also in the present imperative, suggests a more intense, diligent pursuit beyond mere verbal request, often implying a search for understanding, truth, or God's presence. The promise "ye shall find" assures that such earnest seeking will yield discovery.
* **"knock, and it shall be opened unto you.":** This final clause escalates the intensity of the action and the promise. "Knock" (G2925) is likewise in the present imperative, implying "keep on knocking." This action signifies persistence at a closed door, representing a desire for access or breakthrough. The passive voice "it shall be opened" (G455) again points to God as the one who grants access, assuring that persistent, earnest appeal will ultimately lead to entry into His presence or the realization of His provision. The progression from asking to seeking to knocking suggests an increasing depth of desire and effort, met with corresponding levels of divine response.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **synonymous parallelism** where each phrase repeats the same core idea (persistent action leads to divine response) with escalating intensity. The triadic structure ("ask...given; seek...find; knock...opened") creates a memorable and rhythmic pattern, making the teaching easy to recall and apply. This also functions as **Climax**, where the actions move from a simple request ("ask") to a more active search ("seek") and finally to an insistent demand for entry ("knock"), with the corresponding promises escalating in their implication of access and fulfillment. The verbs themselves are in the **Imperative Mood**, functioning as direct commands from Jesus, underscoring the non-optional nature of this call to prayer. Furthermore, the entire verse employs **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, particularly in "seek" and "knock," which are metaphorical for spiritual pursuit and persistent appeal for divine intervention or revelation. The "door" that is "opened" is a powerful **symbol** of access to God's presence, provision, or understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:9 stands as a cornerstone of biblical teaching on prayer, profoundly shaping our understanding of God's character and the nature of our relationship with Him. Theologically, it reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved and responsive to the cries of His children. The progression from "ask" to "seek" to "knock" reflects not a need to convince a reluctant God, but rather a process that deepens the believer's faith, clarifies their desires, and aligns their will with God's. It underscores that true prayer is not merely a monologue of requests but an interactive dialogue, a dynamic pursuit of God Himself and His kingdom. The certainty of the outcome, "it shall be given," "ye shall find," "it shall be opened," highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and generosity, assuring us that He will always respond in ways that are good and perfect, even if not always precisely as we initially imagine. This promise is rooted in God's paternal love, emphasizing His delight in providing for His beloved children.

* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "The Parallel Teaching on Asking, Seeking, and Knocking")
* [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit to Those Who Ask")
* [James 4:2-3](/james/4-2-3 "Asking with Wrong Motives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:9 is a powerful invitation to a vibrant and persistent prayer life, challenging us to move beyond superficial petitions to a deep, sustained engagement with God. It calls us to approach our Heavenly Father with unwavering confidence, knowing that He desires to hear and respond. This verse encourages us to not give up when answers are not immediately apparent, understanding that persistence refines our faith and aligns our hearts more closely with God's perfect timing and will. The call to "seek" reminds us that prayer is not just about receiving, but about actively pursuing God's presence, truth, and righteousness. The act of "knocking" signifies a relentless pursuit of breakthrough and intimacy, trusting that God will open doors we cannot open ourselves. Ultimately, this passage fosters a spirit of dependence and expectation, drawing us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the One who provides all things and desires our flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "asking," "seeking," or "knocking" with persistence?**
* **How does the promise of "it shall be given," "ye shall find," and "it shall be opened" shape your expectations for prayer?**
* **What might it mean to "seek" God beyond just asking for specific needs, and how can you cultivate that deeper pursuit?**
* **How does the understanding of God as a loving Father, eager to give good gifts, impact your confidence in prayer?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 11:9 mean God will always give me exactly what I ask for?**

Answer: While Luke 11:9 assures a divine response to persistent prayer, it does not guarantee that every specific request will be granted precisely as we imagine. The "good gifts" God promises are always aligned with His perfect will, wisdom, and love for us. As [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit") clarifies, the ultimate "good gift" God desires to give is the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and helps us pray according to God's will ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). Sometimes, God's answer is "no," "not yet," or "something better," because He sees the bigger picture and knows what is truly best for our spiritual growth and His glory. The emphasis is on God's benevolent responsiveness, not on our ability to manipulate Him.

**What is the difference between "ask," "seek," and "knock" in this verse?**

Answer: The progression from "ask" to "seek" to "knock" suggests an increasing intensity and depth in prayer. "Ask" (Greek, _aitéō_) refers to a direct request or petition, a verbal articulation of a need or desire. "Seek" (Greek, _zētéō_) implies a more active, diligent pursuit, often for something not immediately apparent, like searching for truth, understanding, or God's will and presence. It goes beyond merely stating a request to actively engaging in a quest. "Knock" (Greek, _kroúō_) signifies persistent effort at a closed door, indicating a desire for access, breakthrough, or intimacy. It suggests a relentless, unwavering appeal for entry into a deeper dimension of God's provision or presence. Together, they describe a holistic and persistent approach to prayer that deepens over time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:9, while a powerful teaching on prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. It is through Him that believers gain the very access to the Father that this verse promises. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way to the Father")). Our ability to "ask," "seek," and "knock" with confidence is not based on our own merit or persistence, but on Christ's finished work on the cross, which tore the veil and opened the way to the Holy of Holies ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). He is the one who stands at the door and knocks ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Knocks at the Door")), inviting us into communion, and He is the one who intercedes for us before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). The "good gifts" that the Father delights to give, as mentioned in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit"), ultimately culminate in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to pray effectively and guides us into Christlikeness ([John 15:7](/john/15-7 "Abiding in Christ and Asking")). Thus, Luke 11:9 is not merely a formula for getting what we want, but an invitation to draw near to God through Christ, trusting in His mediation and the Father's perfect love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

John 16:23

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: