Matthew 7:9

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?

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 ye, and it shall be given to you; seek ye, and ye shall find; knock ye, and it shall be opened to you.

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?