New International VersionFor everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
New Living TranslationFor everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
English Standard VersionFor everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Berean Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Berean Literal BibleFor everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.
King James BibleFor every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
New King James VersionFor everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
New American Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
NASB 1995“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
NASB 1977“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.
Legacy Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Amplified BibleFor everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.
Christian Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
American Standard Versionfor every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Contemporary English VersionEveryone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.
English Revised Versionfor every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEveryone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Good News TranslationFor everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock.
International Standard VersionBecause everyone who keeps asking will receive, and the person who keeps searching will find, and the person who keeps knocking will have the door opened.
NET BibleFor everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
New Heart English BibleFor everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door shall be opened.
Weymouth New TestamentFor it is always he who asks that receives, he who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
World English BibleFor everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor everyone who is asking receives, and he who is seeking finds, and to him who is knocking it will be opened.
Berean Literal BibleFor everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.
Young's Literal Translation for every one who is asking doth receive, and he who is seeking doth find, and to him who is knocking it shall be opened.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor everyone asking, receives and he seeking, finds; and to him knocking shall be opened. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor everyone who asks, receives; and whoever seeks, finds; and to anyone who knocks, it will be opened.
New American BibleFor everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
New Revised Standard VersionFor everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor whoever asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door is opened.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it is opened. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened.
Godbey New TestamentFor every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened.
Haweis New Testament
for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Mace New Testament
for every one that asks, does receive: he that seeks, does find: and he that knocks at the door, is admitted.
Weymouth New Testament
For it is always he who asks that receives, he who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him.
Worrell New Testament
for every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.
Worsley New Testament
for every one, that asketh, receiveth; and he, that seeketh, findeth; and to him, that knocketh, it shall be opened.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Ask, Seek, Knock7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8Foreveryonewho asksreceives;he whoseeksfinds;andto him whoknocks,the door will be opened.9Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?…
Cross References Luke 11:9-10So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
James 1:5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Mark 11:24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 14:13-14And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
John 15:7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 16:23-24In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. / Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
1 John 3:22and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.
1 John 5:14-15And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.
Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Proverbs 8:17I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
Jeremiah 29:13You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Isaiah 55:6Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Psalm 34:4I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 37:4Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 50:15Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
Treasury of Scripture For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Matthew 15:22-28 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord,thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil… 2 Chronicles 33:1,2,19 Manassehwas twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: … Psalm 81:10,16 Iam the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it… Jump to Previous AlwaysDesireDoorFindFindethFindsGivesKnockethKnockingKnocksMakesOpenOpenedReceiveReceivesReceivethRequestSearchingSeekethSeekingSeeksSignJump to Next AlwaysDesireDoorFindFindethFindsGivesKnockethKnockingKnocksMakesOpenOpenedReceiveReceivesReceivethRequestSearchingSeekethSeekingSeeksSignMatthew 7 1.Do Not Judge7.Ask, Seek, Knock13.Enter through the Narrow Gate15.A Tree and Its Fruit24.The Wise and the Foolish Builders28.Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.For everyone who asks receives;This phrase emphasizes the universality of God's promise. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching about the nature of prayer and God's willingness to respond to His children. The use of "everyone" indicates that this promise is not limited to a specific group but is available to all who approach God with sincerity. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's generosity and willingness to give good gifts to His children, as seen in James 1:5, where God gives wisdom generously to all without finding fault. The act of asking implies humility and recognition of one's need for God, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. he who seeks finds;
Seeking implies a deeper level of engagement and desire for understanding or relationship. In the biblical context, seeking often refers to the pursuit of God and His righteousness, as seen inMatthew 6:33, where believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God. This phrase suggests that those who earnestly pursue God and His will are promised fulfillment and discovery. The concept of seeking and finding is also echoed in the Old Testament, such as inJeremiah 29:13, where God promises that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him. This reflects the idea that God is not distant or hidden but is accessible to those who diligently pursue Him. and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Knocking represents persistence and determination in prayer and seeking God's presence. The imagery of a door being opened suggests access and entry into a deeper relationship with God or into the blessings He has prepared. This can be connected toRevelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, inviting believers to open their hearts to Him. The act of knocking implies an active faith that does not give up easily, mirroring the parable of the persistent widow inLuke 18:1-8, where persistence in prayer is encouraged. The promise of the door being opened assures believers that their efforts to reach out to God will not be in vain, reinforcing the idea of God's readiness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. DisciplesThe primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, representing all followers of Christ. 3. Mount of BeatitudesThe traditional location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. 4. The Kingdom of HeavenThe overarching theme of Jesus' teachings, including this passage, emphasizing the values and principles of God's reign. 5. The SeekersSymbolically represents all believers who actively pursue a relationship with God through prayer and obedience. Teaching Points The Assurance of God's ResponseJesus assures us that God is attentive to our prayers. When we ask, seek, and knock, we can trust that God will respond according to His will and timing. Active Participation in FaithThe verbs "ask," "seek," and "knock" imply continuous action. Our relationship with God requires ongoing engagement and persistence in prayer and spiritual pursuits. The Inclusivity of God's PromiseThe promise is for "everyone," indicating that God's willingness to respond is not limited by status, background, or past failures. All who genuinely seek Him are included. The Nature of God's GiftsGod's responses are rooted in His goodness and wisdom. While we may not always receive what we ask for, we can trust that His answers are for our ultimate good. Encouragement in Spiritual DisciplinesThis verse encourages believers to cultivate habits of prayer, study, and worship, trusting that these efforts will lead to deeper understanding and closeness with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 7:8?
2.How can we actively "ask," "seek," and "knock" in our daily prayers?
3.What does Matthew 7:8 teach about God's response to persistent faith?
4.How does Matthew 7:8 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom?
5.In what ways can we encourage others to "seek" God more diligently?
6.How does Matthew 7:8 inspire confidence in God's promises and provision?
7.How does Matthew 7:8 align with the concept of divine will versus human desire?
8.Does Matthew 7:8 imply that all prayers will be answered?
9.How does Matthew 7:8 relate to the prosperity gospel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7?
11.When should you search and when should you give up?
12.Will persistence lead to receiving what you request?
13.Does God answer all prayers? (Matthew 7:7-8 vs. 1 John 5:14-15)
14.What did Jesus mean by "Ask, Seek, Knock"?What Does Matthew 7:8 Mean For everyone who asks receives• Jesus affirms that God’s generosity is not limited to a select few; “everyone” encompasses any child of God who approaches Him (Romans 10:12). • The action—asking—pictures humble dependence, echoingPhilippians 4:6: “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” • Receiving is the promised outcome; God responds faithfully, as seen inJames 1:5 where He “gives generously to all without finding fault.” • This promise rests on relationship, illustrated inMatthew 6:9 where Jesus teaches us to address God as “Our Father,” assuring us He delights to meet real needs.
He who seeks finds• Seeking implies earnest pursuit, not a casual glance—mirroringJeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • The reward is discovery: God discloses Himself and His will (Proverbs 8:17). • The call to seek guards against spiritual passivity;Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • Practical outworking includes searching Scripture daily, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11), trusting that revelation follows intentional pursuit.
To him who knocks, the door will be opened• Knocking portrays persistence and expectancy, parallelingLuke 11:8–10, where the neighbor’s continual knocking secures help. • The “door” pictures access to God’s presence, provision, and opportunities (Revelation 3:7–8). • Openness is certain because of God’s character: “He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). • Believers can knock boldly, knowing we “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).
summaryJesus’ threefold promise inMatthew 7:8 assures every believer that God hears, responds, and grants access. Asking secures provision, seeking uncovers truth, and knocking opens doors of fellowship and opportunity. Our part is active faith; God’s part is unfailing faithfulness. Verse 8. - For every one that asketh receiveth. Every one that asketh of God receiveth, for he is not the censorious Judge that you are inclined to be in your dealings with others. Therefore ask expectantly. He "giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not" ( James 1:5).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.everyoneπᾶς(pas)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.who asksαἰτῶν(aitōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 154:To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.receives;λαμβάνει(lambanei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.he whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.seeksζητῶν(zētōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2212:To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.finds;εὑρίσκει(heuriskei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.to him whoτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.knocks,κρούοντι(krouonti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2925:To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.[the door] will be opened.ἀνοιγήσεται(anoigēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455:To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.
Links Matthew 7:8 NIVMatthew 7:8 NLTMatthew 7:8 ESVMatthew 7:8 NASBMatthew 7:8 KJV
Matthew 7:8 BibleApps.comMatthew 7:8 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 7:8 Chinese BibleMatthew 7:8 French BibleMatthew 7:8 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives (Matt. Mat Mt) |
