Matthew 7:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Matthew 7:8 (KJV) is a powerful declaration from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, assuring believers of God's responsiveness to their earnest prayers and seeking.

Context

This verse directly follows Matthew 7:7, forming a triplet of imperative commands—"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Together, these verses emphasize the importance of persistent and sincere engagement with God in prayer. They are part of a broader discourse on discipleship, righteousness, and the nature of God's kingdom, contrasting with the hypocrisy Jesus warns against earlier in the Sermon. This section reassures listeners that approaching God is not in vain, but will yield a response, much like a loving earthly father responds to his children (Matthew 7:11).

Key Themes

  • Divine Responsiveness: The core message is God's unwavering willingness to respond to those who genuinely approach Him. The structure "ask... receive," "seek... find," "knock... opened" highlights a direct cause-and-effect relationship between human initiative and divine action.
  • Persistence and Earnestness: The progression from "asking" (a general request) to "seeking" (a more deliberate search) to "knocking" (persistent, even urgent effort at a closed door) illustrates increasing levels of commitment and perseverance. This isn't about a single, casual request, but a sustained, heartfelt pursuit of God and His will.
  • Universal Promise: The phrase "every one that asketh receiveth" underscores the inclusive nature of this promise. It is available to all who meet the condition of truly seeking God.
  • God's Goodness: Underlying this promise is the character of God as a benevolent and giving Father, eager to bless His children. This theme is further explored in the subsequent verses of this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verbs used for "asketh" (aiteō), "seeketh" (zēteō), and "knocketh" (krouō) in the original text are all in the present active indicative mood. This grammatical construction implies a continuous, ongoing action. It's not a one-time event, but rather a sustained attitude of prayer and pursuit. Therefore, "keep on asking," "keep on seeking," and "keep on knocking" conveys the true sense of the original language, emphasizing persistence rather than just a single effort.

Practical Application

Matthew 7:8 offers immense encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that prayer is not a futile exercise but a direct line of communication with a loving and powerful God. This verse calls us to:

  • Cultivate Persistence: Don't give up in prayer, even when answers seem delayed. God's timing and methods are perfect, and persistence often refines our faith and desires.
  • Seek God's Will: The "seeking" and "knocking" imply a desire not just for things, but for God Himself and alignment with His purposes. As Jeremiah 29:13 states, "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
  • Trust God's Character: This promise is rooted in God's nature. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing He delights in giving good gifts to His children (Luke 11:13).
  • Embrace the Journey: The Christian life is one of continual asking, seeking, and knocking. It's an ongoing relationship where God invites us to draw near and experience His abundant provision.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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