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Luke 11:13

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 11:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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?
Luke 11:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a serpent?
12Or [if] he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion?
13If 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?
14And he was casting out a demon [that was] dumb. And it came to pass, when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the multitudes marvelled.
15But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
16And others, trying [him], sought of him a sign from heaven.
← Luke 11:12Luke 11:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, etc.] (see Gill on “<400711>Matthew 7:11”). How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? instead of the Holy Spirit here, the Vulgate Latin version reads, “good Spirit”, and so two copies of Beza's; and the Ethiopic version, “the good gift of the Holy Spirit”; and doubtless intends the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, in distinction from, and as preferable to the good things given by earthly parents, to their children.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the Holy Spirit--in Matthew (Mat 7:11), "good gifts"; the former, the Gift of gifts descending on the Church through Christ, and comprehending the latter.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“How much more shall your heavenly Father - How beautiful is the gradation! A friend: a father: God! Give the Holy Spirit - The best of gifts, and that which includes every good gift. Luke 11:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:13 give the Holy Spirit: Matthew’s parallel (Matt 7:11) reads “give good gifts.” The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift for believers, providing guidance, power, and the seal of salvation. Luke gives special prominence to the work of the Holy Spirit in Luke and Acts.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“being: Gen 6:5, Gen 6:6, Gen 8:21; Job 15:14-16; Psa 51:5; Joh 3:5, Joh 3:6; Rom 7:18; Tit 3:3 know: Isa 49:15; Mat 7:11; Heb 12:9, Heb 12:10 how: Mat 6:30; Rom 5:9, Rom 5:10, Rom 5:17, Rom 8:32; Co2 3:9-11 heavenly: Luk 11:2, Luk 15:30-32; Mat 5:16, Mat 5:45, Mat 6:14, Mat 6:32 give the: Pro 1:23; Isa 44:3, Isa 44:4; Eze 36:27; Joe 2:28; Mat 7:11; Joh 4:10, Joh 7:37-39 Luke 11:14”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 11 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification