Matthew 7:11

KJV

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} ye {G5210} then {G3767}, being {G5607} evil {G4190}, know {G1492} how to give {G1325} good {G18} gifts {G1390} unto your {G5216} children {G5043}, how much {G4214} more {G3123} shall your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772} give {G1325} good things {G18} to them that ask {G154} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will your Father in heaven keep giving good things to those who keep asking him!

Berean Standard Bible

So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

American Standard Version

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:11, a pivotal statement within Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, provides profound assurance regarding God's benevolent character and His unwavering willingness to respond to the prayers of His children. Through a powerful _a fortiori_ argument, Jesus contrasts the inherent limitations and "evil" nature of human parents with the perfect goodness of the Heavenly Father, thereby instilling deep confidence in believers to approach God with their requests, certain of His generous and wise provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to Jesus's teaching on prayer found in [Matthew 7:7-11](/matthew/7-7-11 "Matthew 7:7-11 - Jesus's Teaching on Prayer"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus delivers the well-known exhortation to "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" ([Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - The Promise of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking")). The entire section, embedded within the broader [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew Chapters 5-7"), emphasizes the accessibility and efficacy of prayer for those who live according to kingdom principles. Matthew 7:11 solidifies the foundation for persistent prayer by grounding it in the very character of God as a loving and generous Father, providing the ultimate motivation for His disciples to pray with confidence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the family unit was central, and the role of parents, particularly fathers, in providing for their children was deeply ingrained. Jesus leverages this universal human experience—the natural instinct of parents to care for their offspring—to illustrate a divine truth. The concept of God as a benevolent "Father" was present in Jewish thought, but Jesus's emphasis on an intimate, accessible, and supremely generous Heavenly Father was revolutionary. The term "evil" (Greek: _ponērós_) used to describe human parents would have been understood not as an accusation of malicious intent in their giving, but as a theological acknowledgment of humanity's fallen, sinful nature in contrast to God's perfect righteousness and absolute goodness. This distinction would resonate with a Jewish audience familiar with the concept of human imperfection before a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores **God's Infinite Goodness and Benevolence**, presenting Him as a Father who delights in giving good things to His children, far surpassing any human capacity for generosity. Secondly, it provides **Assurance in Prayer**, dismantling any doubt about God's willingness to hear and respond to the petitions of His people. This theme builds upon the earlier exhortations to "ask, seek, and knock" ([Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - The Call to Persistent Prayer")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Provision**, emphasizing that God's gifts are not merely what we desire, but what is truly "good" and beneficial for us, often extending beyond material needs to spiritual blessings, as clarified in the parallel passage in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - The Holy Spirit as God's Good Gift"). Finally, it reinforces the **Father-Child Relationship** between God and believers, inviting an intimate and trusting approach to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This adjective (G4190) describes human parents as "hurtful," "wicked," or "culpable." In this context, it does not imply that human parents are intentionally malicious when giving gifts to their children. Rather, it serves as a stark theological contrast to God's perfect nature, highlighting humanity's inherent fallenness and sinfulness. Even in their imperfect state, human parents possess a natural inclination to provide for their offspring, which Jesus uses as a baseline for comparison.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325) is central to the verse, appearing twice. It means "to give," "bestow," or "grant." Its broad application signifies the act of providing, whether by human parents or by God. The repetition emphasizes the act of benefaction, drawing a direct parallel between the human act of giving and the divine act, though one is infinitely superior in quality and scope.
* **good (Greek, _agathós'_):** This adjective (G18) describes the quality of the gifts. It means "good" in any sense, encompassing that which is beneficial, wholesome, and morally sound. When applied to God's gifts, it signifies perfect goodness, implying that God's provision is always aligned with His perfect will and is truly beneficial for the recipient, even if it doesn't always match human desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,"**: This clause establishes the premise of Jesus's argument. It acknowledges the universal human experience of parents, despite their fallen and imperfect nature ("being evil"), possessing the innate wisdom and desire to provide beneficial things ("good gifts") for their offspring. The "if" (G1487, _ei_) sets up a conditional statement that is understood to be true and universally observable, forming the lesser part of the comparison.
* **"how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"**: This is the conclusion of Jesus's _a fortiori_ argument. Building on the established premise, Jesus moves from the lesser (imperfect human parents) to the greater (the perfectly good and heavenly Father). The phrase "how much more" (G4214 _pósos_ G3123 _mâllon_) highlights the immense qualitative difference. If flawed humans give good gifts, then the perfectly righteous, omniscient, and loving God will certainly and abundantly provide "good things" (G18, _agathós_) to those who petition Him (G154, _aitéō_). This underscores God's boundless generosity, His perfect wisdom in knowing what is truly good, and His eagerness to bless His children.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 7:11 is the **_a fortiori_ argument**, also known as an argument from the lesser to the greater. Jesus constructs a logical progression: if a lesser entity (imperfect human parents) can perform a certain benevolent act (giving good gifts), then a greater entity (the perfectly good Heavenly Father) will surely perform an even greater benevolent act (giving good things). This form of reasoning is highly persuasive, leading the listener to an undeniable conclusion about God's character. Complementing this, Jesus uses **Contrast** between the "evil" nature of human parents and the perfect goodness of the "Father which is in heaven," thereby magnifying the divine attribute. The entire verse functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, implicitly asking "Is it not obvious?" and compelling the audience to affirm the overwhelming generosity of God. This rhetorical strategy engages the listener, making the truth more impactful than a simple declarative statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:11 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character, revealing Him as a perfectly good, loving, and generous Father who delights in providing for His children. This verse elevates the concept of prayer from a mere ritual to an intimate conversation with a benevolent parent, assuring believers that their Heavenly Father is not distant or reluctant, but eager to bestow what is truly beneficial. It challenges us to trust in God's wisdom regarding what constitutes "good things," recognizing that His perspective transcends our limited desires, always aiming for our ultimate spiritual and holistic well-being. This passage reinforces the New Testament emphasis on God as a personal Father, inviting a relationship of confident dependence rather than fearful supplication.

* [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - The Holy Spirit as God's Good Gift")
* [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "Psalm 84:11 - God Gives Grace and Glory")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:11 is a powerful anchor for our faith, especially when we face unanswered prayers or doubt God's care. It calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in the Heavenly Father's character, recognizing that His goodness far surpasses our own capacity for benevolence. This verse encourages persistent prayer, not as a means to manipulate God, but as an expression of our dependence on His perfect wisdom and love. It prompts us to re-evaluate our definition of "good things," shifting our focus from immediate desires to God's ultimate, holistic provision for our lives, which often includes spiritual growth, character formation, and alignment with His will. Ultimately, it invites us to approach God with the confidence of a beloved child, knowing that He is always working for our true good, even when His answers differ from our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as a perfectly good Father, as described in this verse, change your approach to prayer and your expectations of His answers?**
* **What "good things" do you believe God desires to give you, beyond your immediate requests, especially in light of the Holy Spirit being the ultimate good gift mentioned in parallel passages?**
* **In what ways might our human understanding of "good" limit our trust in God's perfect provision and wisdom?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by calling human parents "evil" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "evil" (Greek: _ponērós_) used here does not imply that human parents are inherently malicious or intentionally harmful when giving gifts to their children. Rather, it is a theological statement acknowledging humanity's fallen nature and inherent sinfulness in contrast to God's perfect righteousness and absolute goodness. Even in their imperfect, fallen state, human parents possess a natural, God-given instinct to love and provide for their offspring. Jesus uses this common, relatable human experience as a baseline to highlight the infinitely greater and purer goodness of the Heavenly Father.

**What are the "good things" God promises to give to those who ask Him?**

Answer: The "good things" (Greek: _agathós_) God promises are broad and encompass everything that is truly beneficial, wholesome, and aligned with His perfect will for His children. While this can include material provisions, the parallel passage in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - The Holy Spirit as God's Good Gift") clarifies that the preeminent "good gift" God gives is the Holy Spirit. This suggests that God's provision extends beyond our immediate desires to spiritual blessings, guidance, wisdom, comfort, and the transforming presence of the Spirit, all of which are genuinely good for our growth, well-being, and conformity to Christ's image. God's "good things" are always perfect and serve His ultimate redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the Heavenly Father's goodness and the very means by which we become children of God, able to approach Him with confidence. It is through Christ that humanity, once alienated by sin, is reconciled to the Father, gaining access to His abundant "good things." Jesus Himself is the supreme "good gift" from the Father, as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") declares, for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." Furthermore, the ultimate "good thing" that the Father gives, as clarified in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - The Holy Spirit as God's Good Gift"), is the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon believers after Christ's ascension, as promised by Jesus ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Thus, Christ not only reveals the Father's heart of generosity but also serves as the mediator through whom all of God's good gifts, culminating in the indwelling Spirit and eternal life, are bestowed upon those who ask in faith. He is the living assurance that the Father's promise to give "good things" is eternally trustworthy and unfailingly true.

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

Luke 11:11

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?

Luke 11:13

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?

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.

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.