Matthew 7:11
New International Version
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

New Living Translation
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

English Standard Version
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Berean Standard Bible
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in the heavens give good things to those asking Him!

King James Bible
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

New King James Version
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

New American Standard Bible
So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

NASB 1995
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

NASB 1977
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Legacy Standard Bible
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Amplified Bible
If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.

Christian Standard Bible
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

American Standard Version
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Contemporary English Version
As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.

English Revised Version
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Even though you're evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. So how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

Good News Translation
As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

International Standard Version
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who keep on asking him!

Majority Standard Bible
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

NET Bible
If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

New Heart English Bible
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him.

Webster's Bible Translation
If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Weymouth New Testament
If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

World English Bible
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If, therefore, you being evil, have known to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who [is] in the heavens give good things to those asking Him?

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in the heavens give good things to those asking Him!

Young's Literal Translation
if, therefore, ye being evil, have known good gifts to give to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?

Smith's Literal Translation
If ye, therefore, being evil, know to give good gifts to your children how much more will your Father which is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, if you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your sons, how much more will your Father, who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask him?

New American Bible
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

New Revised Standard Version
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If therefore you who err, know how to give good gifts to your sons, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If therefore you who are evil know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask him?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

Godbey New Testament
Therefore if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in the heavens give good things to them that ask Him?

Haweis New Testament
If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to bestow good gifts on your children; how much more will your Father who is in heaven, bestow good things on those who ask him?

Mace New Testament
if ye then, as wicked as ye are, know how to bestow proper gifts upon your children; how much more shall your heavenly father give good things to them that ask him?

Weymouth New Testament
If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Worrell New Testament
If, therefore, ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in Heaven give good things to those asking Him?

Worsley New Testament
If ye then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to them that ask Him?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ask, Seek, Knock
10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.…

Cross References
Luke 11:13
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.

Proverbs 28:5
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!

1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

Hebrews 12:9
Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Isaiah 63:7
I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us—the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,


Treasury of Scripture

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

being.

Genesis 6:5
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Job 15:16
How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

how.

Exodus 34:6,7
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, …

2 Samuel 7:19
And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

Psalm 86:5,15
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…

good.

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 85:12
Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

Jeremiah 33:14
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

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Able Children Evil Gifts Good Heaven Heavens Imperfect Rather Requests
Matthew 7
1. Do Not Judge
7. Ask, Seek, Knock
13. Enter through the Narrow Gate
15. A Tree and Its Fruit
24. The Wise and the Foolish Builders
28. Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.














If you, then, being evil
This phrase acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of humanity. The Greek word for "evil" here is "ponēros," which implies a moral corruption or wickedness. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd, emphasizing the fallen nature of mankind due to original sin. Despite this inherent sinfulness, humans are still capable of performing good acts, which underscores the grace of God working even in a fallen world.

know how to give good gifts to your children
The phrase "know how" suggests an innate understanding or natural inclination. The Greek word "oida" implies a knowledge that is intuitive. Despite humanity's sinful nature, there is an inherent understanding of providing for one's children. The "good gifts" refer to the basic needs and desires that parents strive to fulfill for their children, reflecting a universal truth about parental love and care. This is a common cultural practice across time and geography, highlighting the consistency of human nature.

how much more
This phrase is a rhetorical device used by Jesus to draw a comparison between human actions and divine actions. It suggests a greater degree of goodness and generosity in God's actions compared to human actions. The phrase "how much more" is a common Jewish teaching method known as "qal wahomer," which argues from the lesser to the greater. If flawed humans can give good gifts, then it is certain that God, who is perfect, can give even greater gifts.

will your Father in heaven
Here, Jesus refers to God as "your Father," emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship between God and believers. The term "Father" is "Pater" in Greek, which denotes not only authority but also care and provision. The phrase "in heaven" distinguishes God from earthly fathers, highlighting His divine nature and supreme authority. This relationship is foundational to Christian theology, where God is seen as a loving and caring parent who desires the best for His children.

give good things
The "good things" refer to the blessings and provisions that God bestows upon His children. The Greek word "agathos" is used here, which means inherently good, beneficial, or useful. This encompasses both material and spiritual blessings. In the broader biblical context, these "good things" can include wisdom, peace, joy, and the Holy Spirit, as seen in parallel passages like Luke 11:13.

to those who ask Him!
This phrase emphasizes the importance of prayer and the act of asking God for our needs. The Greek word "aiteō" means to ask or request, indicating a humble petition. This highlights the relational aspect of prayer, where believers are encouraged to approach God with their needs and desires. It underscores the promise that God hears and responds to the prayers of His children, reinforcing the theme of God's generosity and willingness to provide for those who seek Him earnestly.

(11) If ye then, being evil.--The words at once recognise the fact of man's depravity, and assert that it is not total. In the midst of all our evil there is still that element of natural and pure affection which makes the fatherhood of men a fit parable of the Fatherhood of God. We mount from our love to His, abstracting from our thoughts the evil of which we cannot but be conscious.

Give good things to them that ask him.--The context shows that the "good things" are spiritual and not temporal gifts, the wisdom and insight which we all need, or rather (as in the parallel passage of Luke 11:13) the one gift of the Holy Spirit, which, in its sevenfold diversity, includes them all.

Verse 11. - Parallel passage: Luke 11:13. If ye then being evil. Application of the thought of vers. 9, 10, with further emphasis on the evil of human nature. If you with your moral worthlessness (Matthew 6:13, note), etc. (cf. also Matthew 12:34). Being (gyros). The presence here in the parallel passage of Luke of his common word ὑπάρχοντες points to St. Matthew's form of the sentence being the more original. Know; intuitively (οἴδατε). Notwithstanding, then, the evil bent of fallen human nature, there is some good still remaining. How much more shall your Father which is in heaven. "In quo nulla est malitia" (Bengel). Give good things. Observe:

(1) In the parallel passage in Luke, "the Holy Spirit," or, more strictly, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Πνεῦμα Αγιον). The historian of the early Church not unnaturally singles out that gift which ultimately produces all others; but St. Matthew, keeping to the general subject of wisdom, etc., in the treatment of our brethren, uses a more distributive expression which yet includes the particular gift asked for.

(2) Is the omission of the word "gifts" in this clause to be accounted for by our Lord not wishing to suggest that the grace asked for is so given as that it can afterwards be possessed apart from the Giver?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

who are
ὄντες (ontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

evil
πονηροὶ (ponēroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

know how
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

to give
διδόναι (didonai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

good
ἀγαθὰ (agatha)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

gifts
δόματα (domata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1390: A gift, present. From the base of didomi; a present.

to
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

children,
τέκνοις (teknois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

how much
πόσῳ (posō)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4214: How much, how great, how many. From an absolute pos and hos; interrogative pronoun how much (plural) many).

more
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

{will}
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father
Πατὴρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

heaven
οὐρανοῖς (ouranois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

give
δώσει (dōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

good things
ἀγαθὰ (agatha)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

to those
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

who ask
αἰτοῦσιν (aitousin)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 154: To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

Him!
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 7:11 If you then being evil know how (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 7:10
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