New Testament
Luke 11:12
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Or if he asks for an egg, would hand him a scorpion?
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Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
What Luke 11:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a rhetorical question to illustrate the nature of God as a loving and generous Father. He points out that if a child asks for something good, like an egg, a parent would not give them something harmful, like a scorpion. This analogy emphasizes that God, who is perfect and loving, will not give us harmful things when we ask for good things. Instead, He delights in providing for our needs and desires. The underlying message is about trust in God's character; just as earthly parents care for their children, God cares for us even more. This verse encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He will respond to their requests with goodness and wisdom, rather than giving them something detrimental. It reassures us that our prayers are heard and that God desires to bless us with what is truly beneficial.
How to apply Luke 11:12 to your life
When we pray, we should remember that God is a loving Father who wants to give us good things. This encourages us to approach Him with confidence, trusting that He knows what is best for us. We can rely on His wisdom in our requests.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus asks: if a child asks his father for an egg, would the father give him a scorpion instead? No father would do that. A father gives his child what the child asked for, not something that could hurt him. This is the third example in a row making the same point.
Read It in Context
Jesus is teaching about prayer. Verse 11 already asked whether a father would give a stone instead of bread, or a serpent instead of a fish. Verse 12 adds one more example. All three lead into verse 13, where Jesus draws his point: if human fathers give good things to their children, God will do the same for those who ask him.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:12 teach about God's nature?
Luke 11:12 illustrates God's nature as a loving and generous Father. Jesus uses the analogy of a parent giving good gifts to their children to show that God will not give harmful things when we ask for good. This verse reassures us that God delights in providing for our needs and desires, emphasizing His perfect love and care for us.
How can I apply Luke 11:12 in my prayer life?
When praying, Luke 11:12 encourages you to approach God with confidence, trusting that He knows what is best for you. Remember that God is a loving Father who desires to give you good things. This understanding can help you to be more open and honest in your prayers, knowing that He listens and responds with wisdom and goodness.
What is the significance of the rhetorical question in Luke 11:12?
The rhetorical question in Luke 11:12 serves to emphasize the absurdity of a loving parent giving something harmful instead of good. It highlights the trust we can have in God's character. By using this question, Jesus reinforces the idea that just as earthly parents care for their children, God will care for us in a much greater way.
How does Luke 11:12 relate to the theme of divine provision?
Luke 11:12 relates to divine provision by illustrating that God, as a loving Father, provides for our needs. The verse emphasizes that God will not give us harmful things when we ask for good, highlighting His desire to bless us with what is truly beneficial. This reinforces the belief that God is actively involved in our lives, providing for us in ways that align with His wisdom.
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