Matthew 7:10

10 Or if he shall ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

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 every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he shall ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 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?

12 Therefore all things whatever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.