And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

LUKE 11:9KJV
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Luke 11:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:9 mean?

Luke 11:9 records Jesus telling his listeners to ask, seek, and knock, promising that those who do so will receive, find, and have doors opened to them. The verse encourages persistence and trust in asking God for what is needed, with the assurance that God responds to those who earnestly seek Him.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after teaching them about prayer. He uses simple, everyday actions—asking, seeking, and knocking—to illustrate how people should approach God with their needs. The verse highlights not only the importance of prayer but also the confidence that God is attentive and willing to respond.

The Greek behind Luke 11:9

  • Ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, "Ask" - G154): This word means to request or petition. The form used here suggests an ongoing action, encouraging readers to keep on asking rather than making a single request.
  • Ζητέω (zēteō, "seek" - G2212): This word means to look for or search out. It often carries the sense of actively pursuing something, not just waiting for it to appear.
  • Κρούω (krouō, "knock" - G2925): This word means to strike or knock at a door. The idea is of someone persistently knocking until the door is opened, not just tapping once and leaving.
  • Ἀνοιγνύω (anoignymi, "opened" - G455): This word means to open up, especially a door. The promise is that the door will be opened in response to persistent knocking.

Why Luke 11:9 matters

  • Luke 11:9 clears up the idea that God is distant or unwilling to listen; instead, Jesus emphasizes that God is approachable and responsive to those who come to Him.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about prayer, showing that Jesus wants his followers to be bold and persistent, not hesitant or discouraged.
  • By using everyday actions, Jesus makes the concept of prayer accessible and relatable, encouraging everyone to engage with God directly and confidently.

Where else these words appear

“knock” Greek G2925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
  • Luke 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

“And” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“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;

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;