After the Lord's Prayer, Jesus talked about asking in prayer.
Luke 11:11 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?
Luke 11:11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Because the son might request anyone from among you, the father, a fish. Not in place of a fish will you give him a snake afterward?
Only a snake would give a snake.
The Greek here is a bit of tangle when viewed with our expectations of word order. You can gets a sense of this if you compare my Listeners Heard version with the Original Word Order. However, I translated every word with its common meaning in the proper word form. I just changed the word order to make it understandable in English.
The KJV and NIV and all other Bible make a mess of it, most leaving out a negative, along with many other words, and adding others. the KJV adds the part about bread because it was in their Greek source. It is not in the source we use today, but a number of other English translations add it, perhaps to make it more like what is in Matthew.
The word translated as "will he give" is not from the normal verb translated as "give", but a more complicated word meaning "give besides" or "bestow." It could be the third-person form of the verb, but then it would be the middle voice, which doesn't work here. It is more likely the second person, "you will give." This is what fits with the resolution of this analogy in Luke 11:13, which is also in the second-person.
The untranslated negative used here doesn't negate the verb, but the preposition phrase "in place of a fish." Almost all translations leave it out, but the one I see that does has it negating the verb.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "if" should be something more like "however."
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "a" should be something more like "the."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "ask" is not the word that means "ask a question" but a word that means "request."
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "of" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "of" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "a" should be something more like "the."
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek translated as "will he give him a stone or if" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "he asks" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "he" does not capture the word's specific meaning in this situation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "not" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not one of the common words usually translated as "for."
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated simply as "give."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "of" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "father" is not shown in the English translation.
- WN --Wrong Number- The word "fathers" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "if" should be something more like "however."
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "your" should be something more like "the."
- WF -- Wrong Form -- This verb is in the form of possibility, a subjunctive, which requires a "should" or "might" when outside of a "when/if/whoever" clause.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not one of the common words usually translated as "for."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "fish" is not shown in the English translation
- MP - Missing Phrase - The phrase "not in place of a fish" exists in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This "give" is the third-person by the second-person.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "instead."
If -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. This word doesn't mean "if."
a -- The word translated as "a" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
son -- The word translated as "son" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. When it refers to "sons" specifically, it should be translated that way, but when it can be applied to both sexes, the less familiar "descendant" is better than "children," especially since this word can refer to adults. It is often a reference to the role of "heir." but Jesus uses another word that specifically means "heir." It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual. More about it in this article.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense or a form that indicates possibility at some time. A "might" or "should" could work here or nothing at all in an "if/when/whoever" clause which implies a possibility. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
ask -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "ask" means "asking for" something. It might be best to translate consistently as "request" to avoid confusion with the Greek word meaning "ask a question." This word has shades of meaning from "demand" to "claim." It means to beg or even to demand something from someone else.
bread -- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as this in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used. OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "bread" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
of -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
any -- The Greek word translated as "any" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
of -- (CW) The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" or "from." The word also means "beyond," "on," "in," "since," or "by"based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of" it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
you -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the possessive (genitive) case. As an object of a preposition, the genitive indicates movement away or a position away from something.
that is -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
a -- The word translated as "a" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
father, -- "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers." It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "father" is not shown in the English translation.
will he give him a stone? or if-- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as this in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used.
he ask - (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
fish, - -"Fish," means "fish" and in the plural, a fish market. It also later became a metaphor for Christ, but only because of its spelling was a code for Christ's name."Fish," means "fish" and in the plural, a fish market. It also later became a metaphor for Christ, but only because of its spelling was a code for Christ's name.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
he -- (CW) This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb. While the verb could be in the 3rd person, it would have to be the middle voice which requires the object to be the same as the subject. This is not how it is easily translated, so the verb is more likely in the second person, "you."
missing "not" -- (MW) The untranslated word negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
for -- (CW) The word translated as "for" has many meanings that fit this context: "in place of", "at the price of", "in return for," and "for the sake of." However, in English, this Greek word, anti, is from its primary meaning "opposite." This is not one of the common words usually translated as "for."
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
fish-- "Fish," means "fish" and in the plural, a fish market. It also later became a metaphor for Christ, but only because of its spelling was a code for Christ's name.
give -- (CW) The word translated as "will he give" is not from the normal verb translated as "give" , but a more complicated word meaning "give besides" or "bestow." This is not the word usually translated simply as "give."
him -- The word translated as "him" or "to him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
serpent? -- The word translated as "serpent" means "snake" or "serpent, and is also a kind of fish. The "serpent" was used by Jesus both as a metaphor for wisdom (Mat.10:16) and, of course, an evil cunning.
“Which -- The Greek word translated as "any" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
of -- (CW) The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" or "from." The word also means "beyond," "on," "in," "since," or "by"based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of" it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
you -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the possessive (genitive) case. As an object of a preposition, the genitive indicates movement away or a position away from something.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
fathers, -- (WN) "Fathers" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers." It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father. This word is not plural but singular.
if - -(WW) The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
your -- The word translated as "your" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
son -- The word translated as "son" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. When it refers to "sons" specifically, it should be translated that way, but when it can be applied to both sexes, the less familiar "descendant" is better than "children," especially since this word can refer to adults. It is often a reference to the role of "heir." but Jesus uses another word that specifically means "heir." It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual. More about it in this article.
missing "should" or "might"-- (WF) A helping verb is necessary because the following verb is a verb of possibility, a subjunctive, something that "should" or "might" occur. The helping verb is not needed in a clause beginning with an "if," "when," "whoever" and other conditional clauses, but the "if" used here is not in the Greek.
ask -- The Greek word translated as "ask" means "asking for" something. It might be best to translate consistently as "request" to avoid confusion with the Greek word meaning "ask a question." This word has shades of meaning from "demand" to "claim." It means to beg or even to demand something from someone else.
for - This completes the meaning of the verb. It is from the prefix.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
fish, "Fish," means "fish" and in the plural, a fish market. It also later became a metaphor for Christ, but only because of its spelling was a code for Christ's name.It also later became a metaphor for Christ, but only because of its spelling was a code for Christ's name.
missing "not in place of a fish" -- (MP) The words here aren't translated with their correct meanings and forms.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
give -- (WF) The word translated as "will he give" is not from the normal verb translated as "give" , but a more complicated word meaning "give besides" or "bestow." This assumes from the third-person, singular form of the verb. While the verb could be in the third person, it would have to be the middle voice which requires the object to be the same as the subject. This is not how it is easily translated, so the verb is more likely in the second person, "you."
him -- The word translated as "him" or "to him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
snake? -- The word translated as "serpent" means "snake" or "serpent, and is also a kind of fish. The "serpent" was used by Jesus both as a metaphor for wisdom (Mat.10:16) and, of course, an evil cunning.
instead - (CW) - This completes the meaning of the verb. It is from the prefix. This is not the word usually translated as "instead."
τίνα [252 verses] (irreg sg masc acc) "Any" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end?
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "If" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of an indirect cause ("so"). In an "if" (εἰ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, it means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then." It can also be an explanation of cause ("so"). When used with a conditional starting a clause, the sense is "if/when...then." When used with a particle meaning "indeed" the sense is "on one hand...on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
ἐξ [121 verses] (prep) "Of" is ek, which means 1) [of motion] "out of," "from," "by," "away from;" 2) [of place] "beyond," "outside of," "beyond;" 3) [of succession] "after," "from;" 4) [of rest] "on," "in," 5) [of time] "since," "from," "at," "in;" 7) [of materials] "out of," "made from;" 7) cause, instrument, or means "by." It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.-- The Greek preposition translated as "from" means "out of" or "from." The word also means "beyond," "on," "in," "since," or "by"based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of" it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
ὑμῶν [168 verses](pron 2nd pl gen) "Your/you" is humon, the plural possessive form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you." It is either a possessive pronoun or the object of a preposition. As an object of a preposition, the genitive indicates movement away or a position away from something.
τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc acc) "A" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative.There is no vocative definite article, (despite being shown in Perseus). When the vocative is meant, no article is used or they used ω or ε. See this article.
πατέρα [191 verses](noun sg masc acc) "The Father" is pater, which means "father," "grandfather," "author," "parent," and "forefathers."
αἰτήσει [28 verses] (3rd sg aor-subj/fut-ind act) "Ask"is from aiteo, which means "to ask for," "to request," "to demand," "to beg of," "to postulate or assume [in logic]," "to claim," and "to ask for one's own use." In passive, "to be asked" and "to have a thing begged from one."
ὁ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "a" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
υἱὸς [158 verses](noun sg masc nom) "The Son" is huios, which means a "son," and more generally, a "child." It is used generally to refer to any male descendant.
ἰχθὺν [3 verses] (noun sg masc acc) "Fish" is ichthys, which means "fish" and, in the plural, "fish market."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is rejecting the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
ἀντὶ [9 verses](prep) "For" is anti, which means "opposite", "over against", "instead", "in place of", "at the price of", "in return for", "for the sake of", "against", "in return", "equal to", "corresponding to," and "mutually."
ἰχθύος [3 verses] (noun sg masc gen) Untranslated is ichthys, which means "fish" and, in the plural, "fish market."
ὄφιν [7 verses](noun sg masc acc) "Serpent" is ophis, which means "serpent," "a serpent-like bracelet," "a specific constellation," "a creeping plant," and "a type of fish." It is a metaphor for "an arrow."
αὐτῷ [106 verses](pron/adj sg masc/neut dat) "Him" is is auto, the dative case of the third-person, singular adjective that is used as a pronoun. The word also means "the same,""one's true self," and "the soul" as opposed to the body. It also means "of one's own accord." The form is the third person, plural as an indirect object of the verb or the object of a preposition. When used as a noun, it is preceded by a definite article, and it means "the same."A dative object of a preposition implies no movement but in a fixed position. With the "to be," it acts as a possessive, "his."
ἐπιδώσει [4 verses] (2nd sg fut ind or 3rd sg fut ind act mid) "Will he give" is epididōmi which means to "give besides," "give afterwards," "contribute as a `benevolence'," "give freely," "bestow," "give oneself up," "devote oneself," "give into another's hands," "deliver," "take as one's witness," "increase," "advance," "improve," "give in," and "give way."
This KJV verse combines two verses in Matthew (Matthew 7:9, Matthew 7:10) with many differences. The NIV is like Matthew 7:10, but with big differences