Matthew 7:7

KJV

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

KJV (with Strong's)

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

"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

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

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:7, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, provides a profound assurance of God's responsiveness to persistent prayer. Through three powerful imperatives—ask, seek, and knock—Jesus invites believers into a dynamic relationship with their heavenly Father, promising that earnest and diligent engagement will unfailingly lead to divine provision, discovery of truth, and access to God's presence and blessings. This verse underscores God's benevolent character and His desire to interact with His children, encouraging unwavering faith and perseverance in their spiritual pursuit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic section of Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), specifically within a passage (Matthew 7:7-11) that forms a coherent unit on prayer and God's fatherly generosity. Immediately preceding it, Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment ([Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge")) and the inappropriate distribution of sacred truths ([Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Give Dogs What Is Sacred")). Following [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"), Jesus reinforces the promise by drawing a compelling analogy between earthly fathers giving good gifts to their children and the heavenly Father's even greater willingness to give good things to those who ask ([Matthew 7:9-11](/matthew/7-9-11 "Matthew 7:9-11 - God Gives Good Gifts")). The entire section builds upon themes of trust, dependence on God, and the nature of true righteousness, contrasting with the self-reliance and hypocrisy Jesus previously addressed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount likely to a large crowd of disciples and followers in a setting such as a mountainside or elevated plain in Galilee. In first-century Jewish culture, prayer was a central aspect of religious life, though often ritualized. Jesus' teaching here, however, emphasizes a personal, relational, and persistent approach to God, contrasting with the formalistic prayers of the Pharisees. The concept of God as a "Father" who gives "good gifts" would have resonated deeply, as fathers were traditionally seen as providers and protectors. The imagery of "knocking" at a door would have been familiar in a society where homes often had single entrances that, once closed, required persistent effort to gain entry, especially at night, as illustrated in the parable of the friend at midnight in [Luke 11:5-8](/luke/11-5-8 "Luke 11:5-8 - The Parable of the Friend at Midnight").

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Responsiveness and Benevolence**, assuring believers of God's active engagement and willingness to answer prayer, reinforcing His character as a loving Father who desires to bless His children. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Active Faith and Persistence in Prayer**, moving beyond mere passive requests to diligent seeking and unwavering knocking, which implies a commitment to the process and trust in God's timing and wisdom. This concept is further elaborated in the parable of the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches on the theme of **Discipleship and Righteous Living**, as true righteousness is not just about outward actions but also about a heart that trusts God implicitly and seeks His kingdom first, as taught in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This word refers to a general request or petition, often from an inferior to a superior. It implies a recognition of one's need and dependence on the one being asked. In the context of prayer, it signifies humbly presenting one's desires to God.
* **Seek (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This term suggests a more active and diligent pursuit, implying an earnest effort to find something that is lost or hidden. It moves beyond a simple request to a concerted search, indicating a deeper level of engagement and determination in pursuing God's truth, will, or presence.
* **Knock (Greek, _kroúō'_):** This word denotes a persistent action at a closed door, signifying perseverance and a refusal to give up. It implies a barrier that needs to be overcome and requires sustained effort to gain entry, symbolizing an unwavering determination to access God's blessings or presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ask, and it shall be given you":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental promise of divine provision in response to prayer. The imperative "Ask" (present tense in Greek) implies a continuous, ongoing action, not a one-time request. The passive "it shall be given" emphasizes that the giving comes from God, highlighting His sovereignty and generosity.
* **"seek, and ye shall find":** Building on the first clause, "seek" (also present tense imperative) calls for a more active and diligent pursuit. This implies a deeper engagement than just asking, suggesting an earnest search for truth, understanding, or God's will. The promise "ye shall find" assures discovery and revelation for those who diligently pursue.
* **"knock, and it shall be opened unto you":** The final clause escalates the intensity, with "knock" (again, present tense imperative) signifying persistent effort at a seemingly closed door. This conveys unwavering perseverance in the face of apparent obstacles. The promise "it shall be opened" guarantees access and breakthrough for those who refuse to give up, symbolizing entry into God's presence or the realization of His blessings.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Tricolon** is prominently featured, with the three parallel imperatives—"ask," "seek," and "knock"—forming a climactic progression. This creates a sense of escalating intensity and commitment required in prayer and spiritual pursuit. Each imperative is immediately followed by a corresponding promise ("it shall be given," "ye shall find," "it shall be opened"), forming a clear **parallelism** that reinforces the direct cause-and-effect relationship between human action and divine response. The use of **imperative verbs** ("Ask," "seek," "knock") makes the teaching a direct command and invitation, emphasizing the active role believers are to play. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **metaphor** in the imagery of "knocking" and "opening," which extends beyond a literal door to represent access to God's presence, provision, or understanding. The entire verse functions as a **promise**, offering unwavering assurance of God's faithfulness to those who engage with Him earnestly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:7 is a cornerstone of Christian theology regarding prayer and God's character. It fundamentally asserts God's active involvement and benevolent disposition towards humanity, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as a responsive Father who desires genuine interaction with His children. The escalating nature of "ask, seek, knock" highlights the importance of persistence and earnestness in prayer, suggesting that spiritual growth and divine revelation often require diligent pursuit. This verse undergirds the confidence believers should have in approaching God, knowing that He is both willing and able to provide, reveal, and grant access according to His perfect will and wisdom. It challenges a passive approach to faith, calling for active engagement and unwavering trust in God's faithfulness.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seek Me and Find Me")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Luke 11:9-10](/luke/11-9-10 "Luke 11:9-10 - Ask, Seek, Knock Parallel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:7 stands as an enduring invitation and command for every believer to cultivate a vibrant, persistent, and faith-filled prayer life. It dismantles any notion that God is indifferent or unwilling to hear our pleas, instead presenting Him as a loving Father eager to respond. The progression from "ask" to "seek" to "knock" is a profound lesson in spiritual discipline: it teaches us that while initial requests are vital, true discipleship often requires a deeper, more diligent pursuit of God's will and presence, and unwavering perseverance in the face of delays or perceived silence. This verse encourages us to bring our needs, our questions, and our deepest longings before God with boldness and expectation, trusting that His answers are always good, even if they differ from our immediate desires. It calls us to move beyond superficial prayers to a sustained, active engagement that reflects our profound dependence on Him and our unwavering belief in His character.

#### 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" impact your confidence in prayer?**
* **What might it look like to move from simply "asking" to more diligently "seeking" God's will or presence in a particular situation?**
* **How can you cultivate greater perseverance in prayer, especially when answers seem delayed or difficult?**

### FAQ
**Does "ask, seek, knock" mean God will give me anything I want?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise that God will grant every single desire or whim. While it assures God's responsiveness, the promise must be understood within the broader context of God's character, His perfect will, and His wisdom. As [Matthew 7:11](/matthew/7-11 "Matthew 7:11 - God Gives Good Gifts") clarifies, God gives "good things" (or the Holy Spirit in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit")), implying that His answers are always for our ultimate good and align with His divine purposes. Sometimes, "no" or "wait" is the "good thing" He gives. Furthermore, [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking with Wrong Motives") warns against asking with wrong motives, stating that such prayers will not be answered. Therefore, "ask, seek, knock" encourages earnest, persistent prayer submitted to God's wise and loving will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom all access to the Father is granted, and all divine promises are realized. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the "asking, seeking, and knocking" posture, consistently seeking the Father's will ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")), persistently praying ([Luke 22:41-44](/luke/22-41-44 "Luke 22:41-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), and ultimately opening the way to God. He is the "door" through whom we gain access to the Father ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), and the one who reveals the Father's truth and will ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). When we "ask" in His name, we are promised that the Father will give it ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Ask in My Name")), because it is through Christ that we are made children of God and heirs of His promises ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God Through Faith")). Thus, Matthew 7:7 is not merely a formula for prayer, but an invitation to engage with the Father through the Son, who has already secured all "good gifts" for us through His finished work on the cross.

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

Matthew 21:22

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

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

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.

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].

Psalms 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.