Matthew 7:10

Commentary on Matthew 7:10 (KJV)

Matthew 7:10 is a rhetorical question posed by Jesus during His transformative Sermon on the Mount. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's benevolent nature and His willingness to provide for His children. The verse reads, "Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?"

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Matthew 7:7-11) where Jesus encourages His disciples to approach God with confidence in prayer. He begins by urging them to "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." To underscore the certainty of God's response, Jesus uses two analogies from common human experience: a child asking for bread (Matthew 7:9) and a child asking for a fish (Matthew 7:10). In both cases, He highlights the absurdity of an earthly father giving something harmful or useless in place of a requested necessity. The implication is that if imperfect human fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more will the perfect Heavenly Father provide for His children.

Key Themes and Messages

• God's Fatherly Goodness: The primary message is the inherent goodness and love of God as a Father. Just as a loving earthly parent desires to give good things to their children, God's nature is even more supremely good and generous.
• Divine Provision: This verse assures believers of God's faithful provision. When we ask for our needs, God will not mock us or give us something detrimental. He provides what is truly good and beneficial.
• Contrast of Good and Evil: The imagery of a fish versus a serpent vividly contrasts beneficial provision with harmful deception. A fish was a common, nutritious food source, while a serpent symbolized danger and evil (compare with Genesis 3:1). Jesus uses this stark contrast to emphasize God's pure intentions.
• Confidence in Prayer: The verse builds confidence in the efficacy of prayer, grounded in understanding God's character. We can approach God with assurance, knowing He desires to bless us.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fish" here is ichthys (ἰχθύς), a staple food in Galilee, while "serpent" is ophis (ὄφις), often associated with evil and danger in biblical imagery. The rhetorical question relies on the common understanding of a father's natural instinct to protect and provide for his child, making the alternative (giving a serpent instead of a fish) unthinkable for a loving parent.

Practical Application

Matthew 7:10 encourages believers to trust God's character, even when circumstances are challenging. It reminds us:

• Pray with Assurance: Approach God in prayer with the full conviction that He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children (see also Luke 11:13).
• Discern God's Will: While God always gives good gifts, they may not always be what we initially expect. His "good" is often better than our "good." This verse assures us that whatever God provides is for our ultimate benefit, never for harm.
• Reflect on God's Nature: Meditate on the profound truth that God's love and fatherly care far exceed that of any human parent. This deepens our faith and security in His divine provision and wisdom.