Matthew 7:10

10 Or if your child asks for a fish, would you 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 Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 "If your child asks you for bread, would any of you give him a stone?

10 Or if your child asks for a fish, would you give him a snake?

11 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?

12 "Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is [the meaning of] Moses' Teachings and the Prophets.