Matthew 7:9

9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask 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 shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you:

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?