For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

MATTHEW 7:8KJV
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Matthew 7:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:8 mean?

Matthew 7:8 promises that everyone who asks receives, those who seek find, and to those who knock, the door will be opened. This verse highlights the certainty and openness of God's response to those who earnestly reach out to Him.

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of listeners, teaching them about prayer and trust in God. The verse uses simple, everyday actions—asking, seeking, and knocking—to show that God welcomes sincere requests and responds generously. The language emphasizes that this invitation is open to "everyone," not just a select few.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:8

  • "πᾶς" (pas, G3956): This word means "everyone" or "all." Its use here stresses that no one is excluded from Jesus' promise; it is universal in scope.
  • "αἰτέω" (aiteō, G154): This verb means "to ask" or "to request." In the Greek, it often carries the sense of a humble request, not a demand.
  • "λαμβάνω" (lambanō, G2983): This word means "to receive." It highlights that the response is not just possible but assured for those who ask.
  • "ζητέω" (zēteō, G2212): This verb means "to seek." It suggests an active, ongoing effort, not just a one-time glance.
  • "εὑρίσκω" (heuriskō, G2147): This means "to find." The Greek here implies a successful search, not a fruitless one.
  • "κρούω" (krouō, G2925): This verb means "to knock." It paints a picture of someone persistently seeking entry.
  • "ἀνοίγω" (anoigō, G455): This means "to open." The promise is that the door will actually be opened, not just left unanswered.

Why Matthew 7:8 matters

  • Matthew 7:8 clarifies that God's willingness to respond is not limited to a certain group; the promise is for everyone who comes to Him.
  • The verse emphasizes persistence and sincerity in prayer, encouraging readers not to give up after a single attempt.
  • This statement connects to the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about God's character as generous and attentive to those who seek Him.

Where else these words appear

“knocketh” 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.

“asketh” 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;

“seeketh” 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?