New Testament
Matthew 7:9
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Or which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
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Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
What Matthew 7:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a simple analogy to illustrate the nature of God as a loving Father. He asks a rhetorical question about a father’s instinct to provide for his child. If a son asks for bread, a basic necessity, no loving father would respond by giving him a stone, which would be cruel and unhelpful. This comparison emphasizes that just as earthly fathers desire to give good gifts to their children, God, who is perfect and loving, desires to give good things to those who ask Him. The verse highlights the trustworthiness of God in meeting our needs and encourages believers to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He cares for them and will provide what is truly good for them. It reassures us that God’s nature is fundamentally good and that He is attentive to our requests, unlike a negligent or unkind parent.
How to apply Matthew 7:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach God with our needs and desires, trusting that He will respond with goodness. Just as we would not give harmful gifts to our children, we can be assured that God will provide what is best for us. Therefore, we should pray with confidence and faith.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 7:9 mean?
Matthew 7:9 uses a rhetorical question to illustrate God's nature as a loving Father. It emphasizes that just as a father would not give his child a stone when he asks for bread, God will provide good things to those who ask Him.
What is the meaning of 'bread' in Matthew 7:9?
In Matthew 7:9, 'bread' symbolizes basic needs and necessities. It represents the good and essential things that a loving parent would provide, highlighting God's willingness to meet our needs.
How does Matthew 7:9 relate to prayer?
Matthew 7:9 encourages believers to approach God in prayer with confidence. It assures us that God, like a caring father, desires to give us good gifts when we ask.
What does this verse teach about God's character?
This verse teaches that God is fundamentally good and loving. It highlights His attentiveness to our requests and His desire to provide for us, contrasting Him with negligent or unkind parents.
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