New Testament
Luke 11:13
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So if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
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If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What Luke 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the contrast between human nature and God's nature. He acknowledges that even flawed people, who are described as 'evil,' know how to provide good things for their children. This highlights a basic human instinct to care for loved ones. Jesus then makes a powerful point: if imperfect humans can give good gifts, how much more will God, who is perfect and loving, give the Holy Spirit to those who ask? The Holy Spirit is a precious gift that empowers, guides, and comforts believers. This verse reassures us of God's willingness to bless us abundantly, especially when we seek Him earnestly. It encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He desires to give us good things, particularly the gift of His Spirit, which is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with Him.
How to apply Luke 11:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to ask God for the Holy Spirit in our lives. We should approach Him with confidence, knowing that He desires to bless us. Regular prayer and seeking God's presence can lead to a deeper relationship and spiritual empowerment.
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 makes a comparison. Human parents are flawed — He calls them "evil" — yet they still give their children good things when asked. If even flawed parents do that, God the Father will do far more. Specifically, Jesus says God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. The point is that God is far more willing and able to give good things than any human parent.
Read It in Context
Jesus has just been teaching His disciples about prayer. He told a story about a man who kept knocking on a friend's door at midnight until the friend got up and helped him. Then He said: ask, seek, knock — and you will receive. Verses 11 and 12 give examples of a father who would never give his child something harmful instead of food. Verse 13 is the conclusion of that argument.
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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 11:13 mean?
Luke 11:13 highlights the contrast between human and divine generosity. It shows that if flawed humans can give good gifts, God, who is perfect, will give even greater gifts, specifically the Holy Spirit, to those who ask.
What is the meaning of the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13?
In Luke 11:13, the Holy Spirit represents God's presence and power in the lives of believers. It is a gift that provides guidance, comfort, and empowerment for spiritual growth.
How can I ask for the Holy Spirit according to Luke 11:13?
You can ask for the Holy Spirit through prayer, expressing your desire for God's presence and guidance in your life. Approach God with confidence, trusting in His promise to give good gifts.
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