Matthew 7:10

10 Or if he ask [a] fish, whether he will give him an adder? [Or if he shall ask a fish, whether he shall give to 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 each that asketh, taketh; and he that seeketh, findeth; and it shall be opened to him, that knocketh.

9 What man of you is, that if his son ask him bread [Or who of you is a man, whom if his son ask bread], whether he will take him a stone?

10 Or if he ask [a] fish, whether he will give him an adder? [Or if he shall ask a fish, whether he shall give to him a serpent?]

11 Therefore if ye, when ye be evil men, know how to give good gifts to your sons, how much more your Father that is in heavens shall give good things to men that ask him?

12 Therefore all things, whatever things ye will that men do to you, [and] do ye to them, for this is the law and the prophets.