Matthew 7:8

KJV

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every one {G3956} that asketh {G154} receiveth {G2983}; and {G2532} he that seeketh {G2212} findeth {G2147}; and {G2532} to him that knocketh {G2925} it shall be opened {G455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For everyone who keeps asking receives; he who keeps seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, the door will be opened.

Berean Standard Bible

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

American Standard Version

for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:8, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, serves as a profound assurance of God's unwavering responsiveness to the persistent and sincere engagement of those who approach Him. This verse, building upon the preceding exhortations to "ask, seek, and knock," emphatically reiterates the divine promise that such earnest spiritual pursuit will invariably be met with reception, discovery, and access, underscoring the benevolent character of God as a Father eager to interact with His children.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 7:8 is the declarative culmination of the triplet of imperatives issued in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"). Jesus commands His disciples to "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; and knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Verse 8 then provides the foundational promise and rationale for these commands, stating that the actions will indeed yield the promised results. This immediate context underscores the importance of persistent prayer and active pursuit of God's will. The broader literary context is the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles")-[Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - Concluding Exhortations of the Sermon on the Mount")), where Jesus outlines the ethics and character of Kingdom citizens. Within this larger discourse, this passage highlights the accessibility of God and the nature of a relationship with Him, contrasting with the hypocrisy and superficiality Jesus warns against earlier in the sermon. It precedes the analogy of a good earthly father giving good gifts to his children ([Matthew 7:9-11](/matthew/7-9-11 "Matthew 7:9-11 - God's Goodness in Giving")), further solidifying the trustworthiness of God's responsiveness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, prayer was a central aspect of religious life, often performed at set times and places (e.g., the Temple, synagogues, or private homes). However, Jesus' teaching here transcends mere ritual, emphasizing a personal, persistent, and relational approach to God. The imagery of "knocking" on a door would have been particularly resonant in a society where homes were often secure, with doors signifying both protection and access. To knock implied a desire for entry, an expectation of hospitality, and a direct appeal to the one inside. The concept of asking, seeking, and finding was also deeply embedded in wisdom traditions, where diligent pursuit of knowledge or truth was expected to yield results. Jesus' teaching here elevates these common human experiences to a spiritual plane, applying them to the divine-human relationship and assuring His listeners that God is not distant or unresponsive but actively engages with those who earnestly seek Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the Sermon on the Mount and the broader book of Matthew. First, it highlights **Divine Responsiveness**, portraying God as an accessible and benevolent Father who actively listens and responds to His children. This theme is further elaborated in [Matthew 7:9-11](/matthew/7-9-11 "Matthew 7:9-11 - God's Good Gifts to His Children"), where Jesus uses the analogy of earthly parents to illustrate God's even greater willingness to give good gifts. Second, it emphasizes **Persistent Faith and Earnestness** in prayer. The progression from "asking" (a general request) to "seeking" (a more intentional search) to "knocking" (a persistent, even urgent effort at a closed door) suggests increasing levels of commitment and perseverance. This is not a casual, one-time request but a sustained, heartfelt pursuit of God and His will, a theme echoed in parables like the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Finally, the phrase "every one that asketh" underscores the **Universal Accessibility** of this promise, indicating that God's responsiveness is available to all who genuinely meet the condition of seeking Him. This inclusivity aligns with the Kingdom's open invitation to all who would follow Jesus, as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves to assign a reason or provide an explanation for the preceding statement. In [Matthew 7:8](/matthew/7-8 "Matthew 7:8 - The Promise of Receiving, Finding, and Opening"), "for" connects the promise of receiving, finding, and opening directly to the commands of [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship and grounding the commands in a divine certainty.
* **asketh (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This verb signifies to "ask" in a general sense, to "beg," "call for," or "desire." It implies a request made by an inferior to a superior, or a supplicant to a benefactor. In the context of prayer, it denotes expressing a need or desire to God. The present active participle indicates a continuous or habitual action: "the one who keeps on asking."
* **seeketh (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This verb means to "seek," "endeavor," or "enquire for." It suggests a more deliberate and active pursuit than simply asking. It implies a search, an investigation, or an earnest effort to find something or someone. In a spiritual sense, it points to a diligent pursuit of God's presence, will, or truth. Like "asketh," the present active participle implies ongoing action: "the one who keeps on seeking."
* **knocketh (Greek, _kroúō'_):** This verb means to "rap" or "knock," typically on a door. It signifies a persistent and often urgent action, a direct attempt to gain entry or attention. It represents a higher degree of earnestness and perseverance than merely asking or seeking, suggesting that one is at the very threshold, awaiting access. The present active participle again denotes continuous action: "the one who keeps on knocking."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every one that asketh receiveth;"**: This clause establishes the universal principle that underlies the preceding command. The Greek word "pâs" (every one) emphasizes inclusivity, indicating that this promise is not limited to a select few but extends to all who engage in the act of asking. The verb "asketh" (aitéō) implies a verbal request, a declaration of need or desire. The corresponding promise "receiveth" (lambánō) assures that the request will be met. The present tense of both verbs ("asketh" and "receiveth") suggests a continuous action and a guaranteed outcome for persistent prayer.
* **"and he that seeketh findeth;"**: This second parallel clause introduces a more active and engaged form of spiritual pursuit. "Seeketh" (zētéō) goes beyond a simple request, implying a diligent search, an intentional effort to discover or understand. This could refer to seeking God's will, His presence, His truth, or answers to life's challenges. The promise "findeth" (heurískō) assures that this diligent search will culminate in discovery, implying that what is sought will indeed be revealed or attained. Again, the present tense highlights ongoing action and assured result.
* **"and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."**: The final clause intensifies the level of engagement, culminating in an act of persistent and determined effort. "Knocketh" (kroúō) vividly portrays someone standing at a closed door, persistently rapping for entry. This signifies an urgent, unwavering desire for access or breakthrough, often implying a barrier that needs to be overcome. The passive voice "it shall be opened" (anoígō) emphasizes that the opening is a divine action, a response from the one inside the door. This progression from asking to seeking to knocking illustrates an increasing level of earnestness and perseverance, with each level guaranteeing a corresponding divine response.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:8 is rich in **Parallelism**, employing a triadic structure ("ask... receive; seek... find; knock... opened") that creates a rhythmic and memorable pattern. This specific type is often called **Synonymous Parallelism** in its general intent, as each phrase reinforces the core message of divine responsiveness, albeit with increasing intensity. The verse also demonstrates a clear **Climax** or **Progression**, moving from a general request ("ask") to a more active search ("seek") and finally to a persistent, even urgent, demand for entry ("knock"). This progression suggests an escalating level of human earnestness and commitment, met by an equally certain divine response. The imagery of "knocking" on a door is a powerful **Metaphor** for seeking access to God's presence or His blessings, implying both a barrier and the promise of entry. The phrase "every one" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Universalism**, emphasizing the broad and inclusive nature of God's promise to all who genuinely engage in this spiritual pursuit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:8 encapsulates a foundational truth about the nature of prayer and God's character: He is a responsive and benevolent Father who desires to engage with His children. This verse, alongside the preceding command in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"), refutes any notion of a distant or indifferent deity. Instead, it portrays God as intimately involved and eager to provide for those who earnestly approach Him. The progression from asking to seeking to knocking signifies not only increasing human persistence but also a deepening relationship and trust in God's willingness to reveal Himself and His will. It implies that genuine prayer is not a passive activity but an active, faith-filled pursuit that aligns human desires with divine purposes, ultimately leading to a reciprocal divine action. This promise, however, is not a blank check for selfish desires but operates within the context of God's wisdom, love, and sovereign will, as further clarified in other biblical teachings on prayer.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"): "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
* [Luke 11:9-10](/luke/11-9-10 "Luke 11:9-10 - Parallel Passage on Asking, Seeking, Knocking"): "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. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will"): "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:8 offers immense encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a vibrant, persistent, and faith-filled prayer life, reminding us that our communication with God is never in vain. This verse invites us to move beyond superficial requests to a deeper, more intentional pursuit of God Himself and His perfect will. When we "ask," we acknowledge our dependence; when we "seek," we demonstrate our desire for His wisdom and presence; and when we "knock," we express our unwavering trust that He will open doors that no one else can. This promise encourages us not to grow weary in well-doing, even when answers seem delayed, for God's timing and methods are always perfect. Our persistence in prayer refines our character, clarifies our desires, and deepens our intimacy with the Father. It's a call to embrace the journey of faith as one of continual, confident engagement with a God who delights in giving good gifts to His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "asking," "seeking," or "knocking" with persistence?**
* **How does the progression from "asking" to "seeking" to "knocking" challenge or encourage your current prayer habits?**
* **What might it mean to "seek" God more diligently in your daily life beyond specific requests?**
* **How does the assurance that "every one that asketh receiveth" impact your confidence in prayer, especially when answers are not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ
**Does "every one" mean anyone, regardless of their faith or relationship with God?**

Answer: While the promise of [Matthew 7:8](/matthew/7-8 "Matthew 7:8 - The Promise of Receiving, Finding, and Opening") uses the inclusive phrase "every one," its primary context within the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' teaching to His disciples about Kingdom living. Therefore, "every one" refers to those who are genuinely seeking God and His righteousness, as described throughout the Sermon. This promise is for those who are aligning their hearts and lives with God's will, not for those who might ask with wrong motives or for selfish gain, as warned in [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking with Wrong Motives"). It implies a relationship of faith and obedience, where one's asking, seeking, and knocking are expressions of a desire for God's kingdom and His glory.

**What if I ask and don't receive, or seek and don't find, or knock and the door remains closed?**

Answer: This is a common and understandable question. The promise of [Matthew 7:8](/matthew/7-8 "Matthew 7:8 - The Promise of Receiving, Finding, and Opening") must be understood within the broader biblical teaching on prayer. Firstly, as [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Asking According to God's Will") clarifies, our prayers are heard and answered when they are "according to his will." God's "yes" may come in different forms: direct fulfillment, a better alternative, or the strength to endure. Secondly, the verbs "asketh," "seeketh," and "knocketh" are in the present tense, implying continuous, persistent action, not a one-time request. Sometimes, the "not yet" is part of God's process of refining our faith, deepening our dependence, or preparing us for the answer. Thirdly, God's answers are always for our ultimate good and His glory, even if they don't align with our immediate desires. The "open door" might not always be the one we expected, but it will be the one that leads to true life and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the divine "door" through whom all access to God is granted. As Jesus Himself declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Thus, to "ask," "seek," and "knock" effectively is to do so *through* Christ, relying on His mediation and His perfect sacrifice. He is the one who has opened the way to the Father, having torn the veil of the temple ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")) and established a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Moreover, Jesus perfectly embodies the "seeker" and "knocker" Himself. He "sought" out the lost sheep of Israel ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus Sent to the Lost Sheep of Israel")) and continues to "knock" at the door of human hearts, inviting fellowship ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Knocks at the Door")). Therefore, the promise of [Matthew 7:8](/matthew/7-8 "Matthew 7:8 - The Promise of Receiving, Finding, and Opening") is not merely a general principle of divine responsiveness but a specific assurance rooted in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the content of our seeking and the means by which all spiritual doors are opened.

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

Psalms 81:10

I [am] the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Psalms 81:16

He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

Luke 23:42

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Luke 23:43

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Acts 9:11

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,