Matthew 7:9
Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers won't give bad gifts; he's highlighting that we are the ones asking and our Father is the one responding. He knows the difference between what we think we need and what will truly nourish us, ready to provide genuine sustenance, not just a surface-level appeasement.
Jesus is speaking directly to his followers, drawing on common sense and parental love to highlight God's character. He's just urged them to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." To underscore how readily God answers, he uses a series of analogies, asking if any loving father would give his hungry child a rock instead of bread, or a snake instead of a fish.
Ever been offered something that looked good but wasn't what you really needed? Jesus uses this simple idea to reveal God's perfect generosity.
Jesus contrasts the things an earthly father would give his son with what he might be tempted to give.
The Deception of Stone
Think about a child asking for bread. A stone might look similar – round, perhaps, or even loaf-shaped. But it offers no nourishment. It's useless for satisfying hunger.
The Father's True Provision
An earthly father, even if flawed, wouldn't intentionally give his child a stone when bread is needed. He understands the child's need and desires to truly satisfy it. This isn't just about giving something; it's about giving the right thing. The intention behind the gift matters immensely.
Jesus appeals directly to our own experiences as humans. What does this say about how God relates to us?
Jesus uses a rhetorical question that taps into the most basic human experience: parenthood. He asks, 'Which one of you... will give him a stone?'
The Implied Answer
The answer is obvious: no one. Even the most imperfect human father wouldn't intentionally give his child something harmful or useless when asked for sustenance. The natural affections and common sense of humanity point to a basic principle of care and provision.
God's Superior Nature
Jesus uses this common human experience to highlight something extraordinary about God. If even sinful, flawed humans instinctively know to provide good things for their children, how much more will our Heavenly Father, who is perfect goodness and love, provide for us? Our capacity for love and provision is a faint echo of God's own perfect nature.
Understand the original words
artos · Greek Noun
The essential, daily sustenance provided by God for human life. It is often symbolic of the spiritual nourishment and life-giving power of Christ and the Word of God.
lithos · Greek Noun
Often used symbolically to represent something deceptive, dangerous, or evil. While it appears useful, it is fundamentally harmful, representing a betrayal of trust or a spiritual trap.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching, expanding on the same analogy of a father's goodness to his children and God's even greater readiness to give good gifts.
Genesis 28:12Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending, points to God's active presence and communication with humanity, reflecting the idea of God being accessible and responsive to His children's needs.
Psalm 103:13This Psalm beautifully illustrates God's fatherly compassion and mercy, showing how He 'pities those who fear him' just as a father pities his children, reinforcing the analogy Jesus uses.
1 John 4:9This verse speaks directly to God's love being revealed through sending His Son, emphasizing the supreme gift of His love and showing the divine nature of giving, which is foundational to Jesus' argument.
vincentMatthew 7:9: "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?"
Bread, a stone (ἄρτον, λίθον)Rev. for bread reads loaf, which is better. On the resemblance of certain stones to cakes of bread, see on Matthew 4:3.
clarkeMatthew 7:9: "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?"
Or what man is there - whom if his son - Men are exhorted to come unto God, with the persuasion that he is a most gracious and compassionate Parent, who possesses all heavenly and earthly good, knows what is necessary for each of his creatures, and is infinitely ready to communicate that which they need most. Will he give him a stone? - Will he not readily give him bread if he have it? This was a pr…
Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers won't give bad gifts; he's highlighting that we are the ones asking and our Father is the one responding. He knows the difference between what we think we need and what will truly nourish us, ready to provide genuine sustenance, not just a surface-level appeasement.
Jesus is speaking directly to his followers, drawing on common sense and parental love to highlight God's character. He's just urged them to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." To underscore how readily God answers, he uses a series of analogies, asking if any loving father would give his hungry child a rock instead of bread, or a snake instead of a fish.
Jesus is speaking directly to his followers, drawing on common sense and parental love to highlight God's character. He's just urged them to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." To underscore how readily God answers, he uses a series of analogies, asking if any loving father would give his hungry child a rock instead of bread, or a snake instead of a fish.
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"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?" — Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers won't give bad gifts; he's highlighting that we are the ones asking and our Father is the one responding. He knows the difference between what we think we…
