Matthew 7:9

9 Or what man is [there] among you, [if] his son will ask him [for] bread, will give him a stone?

Matthew 7:9 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 7:9

Or what man is there of you
"That is a father", as in ( Luke 11:11 ) that is, is in the relation, and has the affections of a father; and indeed is a man, and has the nature and passions of a man; unless he is become a mere brute, and devoid of all humanity,

whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
No, by no means; no man can act such a merciless, cruel part as this to a child: for though he might impose upon him by the likeness of some sort of stones with bread; yet could not hope to satisfy his hunger, or stop his mouth this way; but must expect to hear from him again with bitter complaints.

Matthew 7:9 In-Context

7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened for you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

9 Or what man is [there] among you, [if] his son will ask him [for] bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or also [if] he will ask for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 Therefore if you, [although you] 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?