King James Version

What Does Luke 11:12 Mean?

Luke 11:12 in the King James Version says “Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? offer: Gr. give” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:12 · KJV

Context

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

13

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?

14

And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?—The third contrast completes Jesus's trilogy of absurd substitutions: egg for scorpion. A scorpion (σκορπίον, skorpion) when coiled resembles a pale egg, yet delivers venomous sting instead of nourishment. Palestine's scorpions (particularly Buthus species) were common household pests whose sting caused intense pain, sometimes death in children.

The progression intensifies: stone (useless deception), serpent (dangerous deception), scorpion (lethal deception). Each mock-gift grows worse, underscoring how unthinkable it is that the Father would give harmful counterfeits when His children ask for good. Verse 13 provides the apex: 'how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?' The ultimate 'good gift' isn't material but the Spirit Himself—God's empowering presence. Prayer's aim isn't manipulating God for bread, fish, eggs, but receiving the Spirit who unites us to Christ and enables Christian life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eggs (from chickens and other birds) were common protein sources in ancient Palestine. Scorpions inhabited rocky areas and often entered homes, hiding in clothing or bedding. Their pale coloring when curled could deceive in dim light. Jesus's audience immediately grasped the horror of such a substitution, making the Father's trustworthiness unmistakable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever feared that God might give you something harmful disguised as good? How does this passage address that fear?
  2. How does recognizing the Holy Spirit as the Father's ultimate gift reorient your prayer requests from material to spiritual priorities?
  3. In what ways does the Father's gift of the Spirit exceed even the best earthly gifts fathers can give?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἢ1 of 9

“Or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

καὶ2 of 9
G2532

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

ἐὰν3 of 9

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

αἰτήσῃ4 of 9

“he shall ask”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

ᾠόν5 of 9

“an egg”

G5609

an "egg"

μὴ6 of 9

“will he offer”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιδώσει7 of 9
G1929

to give over (by hand or surrender)

αὐτῷ8 of 9

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

σκορπίον9 of 9

“a scorpion”

G4651

a "scorpion" (from its sting)

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 11:12 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 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 2:6Luke 10:19Revelation 9:10

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