King James Version

What Does Luke 11:10 Mean?

Luke 11:10 in the King James Version says “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9

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.

10

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

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?

12

Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? offer: Gr. give

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. This verse reinforces the previous verse (Luke 11:9) with emphatic, universal language. The phrase "every one" (pas gar ho, πᾶς γὰρ ὁ) removes all exceptions—the promises apply to all who pray, regardless of status, worthiness, or circumstance. The conjunction "for" (gar, γάρ) introduces explanation or justification for the previous commands. Jesus explains why we should ask, seek, and knock: because these actions reliably produce results.

The present tense participles "that asketh" (ho aitōn, ὁ αἰτῶν), "that seeketh" (ho zētōn, ὁ ζητῶν), and "that knocketh" (ho krouōn, ὁ κρούων) describe habitual, ongoing action—those characterized by asking, seeking, and knocking. The corresponding verbs "receiveth" (lambanei, λαμβάνει), "findeth" (heuriskei, εὑρίσκει), and "shall be opened" (anoigēsetai, ἀνοιγήσεται) are likewise present tense (except the last, which is future), indicating reliability and consistency. This is not occasional blessing but dependable pattern.

The universal scope of these promises raises questions about unanswered prayer. Several factors provide balance: (1) the context emphasizes prayer for the Holy Spirit (verse 13)—God's ultimate gift; (2) James 4:3 clarifies that selfish, wrongly motivated prayers are not answered; (3) God's "no" or "wait" are also answers, reflecting divine wisdom; (4) asking "in Jesus' name" (John 14:13-14) means praying according to His will and character; (5) the promises assume covenant relationship—praying as God's children, not demanding as consumers. Nevertheless, Jesus' point is clear: God reliably responds to His children's prayers, and we should pray with confidence and persistence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching continues Jesus' instruction on prayer prompted by the disciples' request to learn to pray (Luke 11:1). The repetition and reinforcement (verse 10 essentially repeats verse 9 in different form) reflects Jewish and ancient Near Eastern rhetorical patterns, where important truths were stated multiple times for emphasis and memorability. Oral cultures relied heavily on such repetition for transmission and retention of teaching.

First-century Judaism held complex views on prayer. While Scripture taught that God hears prayer (Psalm 65:2, 145:18-19), later rabbinic literature debated conditions for answered prayer—some taught that only the perfectly righteous could expect God to hear, others that prayer's efficacy depended on proper ritual, location (Jerusalem), or timing. Jesus democratizes prayer, teaching that all who genuinely seek God will be heard, not based on personal merit but on the Father's character.

The early church demonstrated radical confidence in prayer based on Jesus' promises. Acts records numerous answered prayers: Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5-17), guidance for missionary journeys (Acts 13:2-3), Paul and Silas's prison deliverance (Acts 16:25-26). Paul's epistles repeatedly encourage confident prayer (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 4:6-7). Hebrews 4:16 exhorts believers to "come boldly unto the throne of grace," reflecting confidence rooted in Jesus' teaching and His mediatorial work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the universal scope ('every one') of this promise encourage believers who feel unworthy or unqualified to pray?
  2. What does the repetition and emphasis in this verse reveal about Jesus' concern that His disciples pray with confidence?
  3. How can believers reconcile this promise with the experience of prayers that seem unanswered?
  4. What is the relationship between persistent prayer and trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom?
  5. How should this verse shape Christian expectation and practice regarding prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
πᾶς1 of 13

“every one”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰτῶν4 of 13

“that asketh”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

λαμβάνει5 of 13

“receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ6 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ7 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζητῶν8 of 13

“he that seeketh”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

εὑρίσκει9 of 13

“findeth”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ11 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρούοντι12 of 13

“to him that knocketh”

G2925

to rap

ἀνοιγήσεται13 of 13

“it shall be opened”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 4:3Lamentations 3:18Lamentations 3:54-58Luke 18:1James 5:11Psalms 31:22

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