Matthew 7:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As with bread, no loving father answers a child's request for a fish with a dangerous serpent.
What Does Matthew 7:10 Mean?
Jesus adds a second everyday example to the first. Around the Sea of Galilee fish was common fare, and a father asked for one would never hand over a snake, which could resemble certain eels yet bring harm instead of nourishment.
The repetition drives the point home. A true parent gives what helps, not what wounds. Jesus is teaching us to trust that the Father's answers, even when unexpected, are never harmful gifts in disguise. We may bring our requests freely, knowing He will not return our trust with anything that destroys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 7:10
What does Matthew 7:10 mean?
As with bread, no loving father answers a child's request for a fish with a dangerous serpent.