Matthew 7:9

9 What man is there among you, who if his son shall ask him for bread will offer 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 the door will be opened to you.

8 For it is always he who asks that receives, he who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him.

9 What man is there among you, who if his son shall ask him for bread will offer him a stone?

10 Or if the son shall ask him for a fish will offer him a snake?

11 If you then, imperfect as you are, 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!