Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

LUKE 11:12KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 11:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:12 mean?

Luke 11:12 uses a simple example to show that a loving parent would never give something harmful, like a scorpion, when a child asks for something good, like an egg. Jesus is making the point that God, as a loving Father, can be trusted to give good gifts rather than harmful ones.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he teaches them about prayer. He uses everyday images from family life to help them understand God’s character. The verse is part of a larger teaching where Jesus reassures his listeners that God responds generously and kindly to those who come to him with their needs.

The Greek behind Luke 11:12

  • ᾠόν (ōion, "egg"): This word means a literal egg, something nourishing and good. The contrast with a "scorpion" highlights the absurdity of a parent giving something dangerous instead of something helpful.
  • σκορπίον (skorpion, "scorpion"): This refers to the actual animal, known for its sting. In the context, it represents something harmful or threatening, making the contrast with the "egg" even sharper.
  • αἰτήσει (aitēsei, "ask"): This word is often used for a child’s request, showing dependence and trust. The verse assumes a relationship where asking is natural and expected.

Why Luke 11:12 matters

  • Luke 11:12 helps clear up any idea that God might respond to sincere prayer with something harmful or cruel; Jesus insists that God’s nature is good and trustworthy.
  • The verse deepens the message of the surrounding passage, where Jesus encourages boldness and confidence in prayer by comparing God’s care to that of a loving parent.
  • By using vivid, everyday examples, Jesus makes his teaching accessible and memorable, helping listeners grasp the kindness and reliability of God.

Where else these words appear

“scorpion” Greek G4651 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
  • Revelation 9:3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

“offer” Greek G1929 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
  • Luke 11:11 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?
  • John 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;