Bible Strands
Luke 11:12
Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples during a teaching sequence on prayer, immediately after the Lord's Prayer and a parable about persistent asking. He poses a rhetorical question to contrast human parental behavior with divine action.
The words — The Greek ᾠὸν (ōon) translates literally to "an egg," while μὴ (mē) functions as a negative "surely not" attached to the verb ἐπιδώσει (epidōsei) "he will give." The syntax constructs a rhetorical expectation that a father would never hand a scorpion to a child requesting food.
The thread — Scorpions appear in Luke 10:19 as targets of Christ's delegated authority and in Revelation 9:10 as instruments of prolonged torment. Ezekiel 2:6 employs briers and thorns as a parallel image of hostile opposition that the prophet must not fear.
Why it lands — The text states that even flawed human fathers instinctively provide nourishment rather than harm to their children. It requires the reader to accept that God's provision operates on a higher, guaranteed standard of care.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 2:6 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house.
- Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
- Revelation 9:10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months.