If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

LUKE 11:13KJV
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Luke 11:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:13 mean?

Luke 11:13 says that if ordinary people, who are flawed, know how to give good things to their children, then God—who is perfect—will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. The verse highlights God’s generosity and willingness to give what is truly good to those who seek Him.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after teaching them about prayer. He uses the example of parents providing for their children to show that God’s care and gifts far surpass human kindness. The main point is that God is eager to give the Holy Spirit, which means His presence and help, to anyone who sincerely asks.

The Greek behind Luke 11:13

  • πονηροὶ (ponēroi, "evil"): This word is often understood as "morally flawed" or "imperfect," emphasizing that even people with faults still care for their children.
  • δόματα (domata, "gifts"): The Greek here refers to gifts or presents, highlighting the idea of giving something beneficial or generous.
  • πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion, "Holy Spirit"): This phrase means God's own Spirit, representing His presence, guidance, and power given to believers.
  • αἰτοῦσιν (aitousin, "ask"): The Greek word here suggests an ongoing or earnest asking, not just a one-time request.

Why Luke 11:13 matters

  • Luke 11:13 clarifies that God is not reluctant or stingy; He is portrayed as eager to give what is truly best—His own Spirit—to those who ask.
  • The verse shifts the focus from material gifts to the spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit, showing what Jesus sees as the greatest good.
  • In the context of Jesus teaching about prayer, Luke 11:13 encourages believers to approach God confidently, trusting in His goodness and generosity.

Where else these words appear

“gifts” Greek G1390 · used in 4 verses

  • 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?
  • Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
  • Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

“much” Greek G4214 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • Luke 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

“being” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

“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;