Luke 11:13If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
The setting
Galilee, ~30 AD. Jesus reaches the crescendo of his prayer teaching - this is his main point after the setup...
The emotion here: building to triumphant promise with tender confidence
The original word
ponēros (πονηρός) — not just 'bad' but actively evil, corrupted at the core
Why it matters
This is the only place Jesus calls humans 'evil' while simultaneously highlighting their capacity for good
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 11:13
Jesus calls us 'evil' and 'good' in the same breath - showing our dual nature but God's greater nature
Common misconceptionMany think this is about getting the Holy Spirit at conversion. Jesus is teaching about ONGOING receiving of the Spirit's presence and power through prayer.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 11:13
Bible Genome reading
Luke 11:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 11:13 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 90% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the letter genre of biblical literature. Key themes include provision, Holy Spirit. Notable phrases: heavenly Father give Holy Spirit; how much more. This verse contains a promise of God.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Luke 11:13 mean to you, today?
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