Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

MATTHEW 7:7KJV
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Matthew 7:7 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:7 mean?

Matthew 7:7 encourages people to actively ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will respond by giving, allowing them to find, and opening doors for them. The verse highlights a pattern of invitation and assurance: if you reach out to God, He will answer in some way.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them about prayer and trust in God. The language uses simple, everyday actions—asking, seeking, knocking—to show that approaching God is open to everyone and involves persistence. The verse reassures listeners that God is attentive and responsive to those who genuinely reach out to Him.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:7

  • Ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, "Ask" – G154): This word often means to request or petition, not just casually wonder. It suggests an active, intentional reaching out.
  • Ζητέω (zēteō, "seek" – G2212): This word means to look for something with effort or intention, not just a passive glance. It emphasizes persistence and desire.
  • Κρούω (krouō, "knock" – G2925): This is the word for knocking on a door, picturing someone seeking entry or access, showing both humility and hope.
  • Ἀνοίγω (anoigō, "opened" – G455): This word means to open up, especially a door, highlighting the idea that God is willing to grant access or opportunity when approached.

Why Matthew 7:7 matters

  • Matthew 7:7 clears up the idea that prayer is only for the very religious or knowledgeable; Jesus uses simple actions to show that anyone can approach God.
  • The verse emphasizes persistence and trust, not just a one-time request, but an ongoing relationship of seeking and knocking.
  • In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, this verse encourages listeners that God is not distant or unapproachable, but attentive and generous to those who reach out.

Where else these words appear

“knock” Greek G2925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
  • 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.

“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 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • 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;

“seek” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?