Jesus introduced this promise with a phrase that underlined its reliability and gave His personal guarantee. Everyone who asks of God will receive from Him, not just the persistent (cf. Matthew 7:7-8). In the context everyone is every one of His children ( Luke 11:13). Jesus urged His disciples to pray. He probably meant that we must ask to receive (cf. James 4:2). Those who seek God"s attention and response in prayer will find it (cf. Jeremiah 29:12-13). Those who knock on the closed door of God"s heavenly house will find that He will open to them and give them what is best (cf. Luke 11:7). [source][source][source]
"In other words, don"t come to God only in the midnight emergencies, but keep in constant communion with your Father." [1][source]
Context Summary
Luke 11:5-13 - Encouragement To Persevering Prayer
The parable of the three friends is very encouraging. We, so to speak, are to act as mediators or intercessors between those who are in sore need and our great Heavenly Friend. They are always coming to us on their journey, and we feel that we have nothing to set before them. Whether their need is for body, mind or spirit, they find us poor and bankrupt. But, at such times, let us turn to God with earnest prayer. If persistence in prayer prevails over the churlish and self-indulgent, what will it not achieve with the One who is "rich unto all that call upon Him!" He will give us just as much as we need.
Notice that how much more! Count the stars scattered on the vault of night, or the daisies in the fields, or the myriads of living creatures, sustained as the pensioners of His bounty, and ask yourself if He cannot give enough good gifts, and His Spirit withal, to supply all your need. What would you not do for your helpless little child? "How much more"¦" See Philippians 4:19. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 11
1Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly; 11assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him 14He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees; 27and shows who are blessed; 29preaches to the people; 37and reprimands the outward show of holiness
Greek Commentary for Luke 11:9
Shall be opened [ανοιγησεται] Second future passive third singular of ανοιγνυμι anoignumi and the later ανοιγω anoigō f0). [source]
Ask [αἰτεῖτε] The word for the asking of an inferior (Acts 12:20; Acts 3:2); and hence of man from God (Matthew 7:7; James 1:5). Christ never uses the word of his own asking from the Father, but always ἐρωτῶ , as asking on equal terms. Martha shows her low conception of his person when she uses the term of his asking God (John 11:22). [source]
Ask, seek, knock [] “The three repetitions of the command are more than mere repetitions; since to seek is more than to ask, and to knock than to seek” (Trench, “Parables”). [source]
1 John 5:16I do not say that he shall pray for it [οὐ περὶ ἐκείνης λέγω ἵνα ἐρωτήση] Lit., not concerning this do I say that he should make request. So Rev. Prayer even for this sin unto death is not forbidden, but John says that he does not enjoin it. Note the sharp distinctness with which that terrible sin is thrown out by the pronoun of remote reference and its emphatic position in the sentence. Note also the words make request ( ἐρωτήσῃ ), and compare αἰτήσει heshall ask. On the distinction, see on Luke 11:9. Αἰτέω toask, is used of the petition of an inferior, and is never used of Christ's own requests to God. Hence it is properly used here of the humble and affectionate petition of a Christian to God on behalf of a sinning brother. Ἑρωτάω is used of the request of an equal, or of one who asks on equal terms. Hence it may mark a request based upon fellowship with God through Christ, or it may hint at an element of presumption in a prayer for a sin unto death. Westcott cites a very early inscription in the Roman Catacombs as an illustration of the use of ἐρωτᾷν in the sense of Christian prayer for Christians: ἐρωτᾶ ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν prayfor us. [source]
1 John 3:22Whatsoever we ask [ο εαν αιτωμεν] Indefinite relative clause with modal αν an and the present active subjunctive, like οτι εαν καταγινωσκηι hoti ean kataginōskēi in 1 John 3:20. In form no limitations are placed here save that of complete fellowship with God, which means complete surrender of our will to that of God our Father. See the clear teaching of Jesus on this subject in Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 14:12.; John 16:23 and his example (Mark 14:36; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42). The answer may not always be in the form that we expect, but it will be better. [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 11:9 mean?
And Ito yousayaskandit will be givenseekyou will findknockit will be opened
Greek Commentary for Luke 11:9
Second future passive third singular of ανοιγνυμι anoignumi and the later ανοιγω anoigō f0). [source]
The word for the asking of an inferior (Acts 12:20; Acts 3:2); and hence of man from God (Matthew 7:7; James 1:5). Christ never uses the word of his own asking from the Father, but always ἐρωτῶ , as asking on equal terms. Martha shows her low conception of his person when she uses the term of his asking God (John 11:22). [source]
“The three repetitions of the command are more than mere repetitions; since to seek is more than to ask, and to knock than to seek” (Trench, “Parables”). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 11:9
On a footing of equality: king treating with king. See on Luke 11:9. [source]
Or demanded. See on Luke 11:9. [source]
Lit., not concerning this do I say that he should make request. So Rev. Prayer even for this sin unto death is not forbidden, but John says that he does not enjoin it. Note the sharp distinctness with which that terrible sin is thrown out by the pronoun of remote reference and its emphatic position in the sentence. Note also the words make request ( ἐρωτήσῃ ), and compare αἰτήσει heshall ask. On the distinction, see on Luke 11:9. Αἰτέω toask, is used of the petition of an inferior, and is never used of Christ's own requests to God. Hence it is properly used here of the humble and affectionate petition of a Christian to God on behalf of a sinning brother. Ἑρωτάω is used of the request of an equal, or of one who asks on equal terms. Hence it may mark a request based upon fellowship with God through Christ, or it may hint at an element of presumption in a prayer for a sin unto death. Westcott cites a very early inscription in the Roman Catacombs as an illustration of the use of ἐρωτᾷν in the sense of Christian prayer for Christians: ἐρωτᾶ ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν prayfor us. [source]
See on Luke 11:9. [source]
Indefinite relative clause with modal αν an and the present active subjunctive, like οτι εαν καταγινωσκηι hoti ean kataginōskēi in 1 John 3:20. In form no limitations are placed here save that of complete fellowship with God, which means complete surrender of our will to that of God our Father. See the clear teaching of Jesus on this subject in Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 14:12.; John 16:23 and his example (Mark 14:36; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42). The answer may not always be in the form that we expect, but it will be better. [source]