What does Matthew 7:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 7:9 is a verse from the Christian New Testament, where Jesus is illustrating the nature of God’s goodness and willingness to give good gifts to His children through a rhetorical question.

The verse appeals to common sense and natural human sentiments, particularly those of parental love and care.

The fundamental question being asked is: if a human father, with all his imperfections, would not mock his child's need by offering something useless like a stone when the child asks for bread to satisfy hunger, how much more will God, who is perfect, give good things to those who ask Him? In essence, the verse underlines the reliability and benevolence of God in comparison to even the best examples of human goodness.

Historical Context

The Book of Matthew is believed to have been written between 70-110 AD and is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

The verse in question is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is a compilation of Jesus’ teachings found in Matthew chapters 5-7.

This sermon provided moral guidelines for the followers of Jesus and redefined Old Testament law to emphasize its spiritual intent rather than mere legalism.

The historical context is Roman Judea, a time and place where Jewish religious practice was heavily influenced by the Pharisees, who often focused on strict and literal adherence to the law.

Jesus, through these teachings, was shifting focus from religious ritual to the heart and intent behind actions.

Theological Insights

From the theological standpoint, this verse represents the doctrines of the goodness and providence of God.

According to many Christian denominations, God’s nature is intrinsically good, and thus He desires to give good gifts to His children.

This also reflects on the concept of prayer and the belief that God will give what is best to those who ask and seek His will.

The request for "bread" symbolizes not just physical needs but a deeper spiritual sustenance that God is ready to provide.

This verse, therefore, offers comfort and assurance of God's unchanging love and care toward humanity.

Practical Applications

In a practical context, this verse can be interpreted to encourage individuals to have faith in God’s provision and to approach God with their needs and concerns with the expectation of a favorable response.

It is a reminder for believers to trust in the goodness of God.

Additionally, it can be used to inspire a practical approach to parenting, suggesting that just as a good father would provide for his children's needs, parents today should strive to be attentive and responsive to their children’s physical and emotional needs.

Cross-References

• James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
• Matthew 7:11: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
• Luke 11:11-13: If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "bread" used here is ἄρτος (artos), which directly translates to "bread" but also refers to food in general.

The term "stone" is λίθος (lithos), which contrasts sharply with ἄρτος to emphasize the difference between a basic need and something utterly unsuitable as a substitute.

The rhetorical nature of the question serves as a form of argument known as argumentum a fortiori, which argues from the lesser to the greater.

If even an imperfect human father acts with basic compassion, it's implied that God's actions will infinitely surpass this goodness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a deity providing for their followers is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient religions have myths of gods giving sustenance to humans.

For example, in Greek mythology, the goddess Demeter is associated with the harvest and is seen as a provider of food and grain.

In various other ancient cultures, gods often play the role of sustainers and protectors, reflecting a universal human concern for divine provision.

The question posed by Jesus differs, in that it emphasizes a personal and caring relationship, more akin to a family than that of a distant, capricious deity.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the analogy used by Jesus can be viewed through the lens of evolutionary biology.

The parental instinct to provide for and protect one’s offspring is a deeply ingrained biological imperative present in many species, not just humans.

The fundamental desire to care for one’s children and ensure their welfare has been crucial to the survival and propagation of species, including humans, and is observable in various forms across the animal kingdom.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered insights on this verse.

Many such as John Calvin and Matthew Henry highlight God's paternal care and goodness as greater than that of humans, urging readers to have confidence in divine providence.

Contemporary biblical scholars often study the verse in relation to the socio-religious context of the time, noting how Jesus uses familiar everyday experiences to teach about the nature of God.

The consensus among many is that this verse beckons the practitioners of faith to trust God and parallels the understanding of how much more ardently a perfect, loving God will meet the needs and the rightful desires of His children, compared to flawed human parents.