Matthew 7:10

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

Matthew 7:10 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 7:10

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
] Which is somewhat like a fish, especially an eel. Fish and bread are mentioned, because these were common food; see ( Mark 6:41 ) ( Mark 8:6 Mark 8:7 ) ( John 21:13 ) and particularly in Galilee, a fish country, where Christ now was, and from whence he had called his disciples, who were fishermen. In ( Luke 11:12 ) it is added, "or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?" which is used, as the rest, to show the absurdity and inhumanity of such conduct; and that indeed nothing of this kind is to be found among men, unless it be among monsters in nature.

Matthew 7:10 In-Context

8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 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!

12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.