A Grammatical and Lexical Exegesis of Matthew 7:7: The Imperative of Persistent Petition
This exegetical study of A Grammatical and Lexical Exegesis of Matthew 7:7: The Imperative of Persistent Petition is based on a b-greek discussion from Tue Sep 3 08:34:21 2002. The initial query concerns the grammatical mood of the verb αιτειτε in Matthew 7:7, specifically whether it functions as an indicative or an imperative form, noting that the second person plural present forms for both moods can be morphologically identical in Koine Greek. The discussion further explores the possibility of translating the present imperative with a sense of continuous or persistent action, such as “Continuously ask.”
The core exegetical issue revolves around the precise grammatical identification of αιτειτε (and its parallel verbs ζητειτε and κρουετε) and the semantic implications of its aspect (present tense) within the context of command. This involves not only distinguishing between indicative and imperative forms where they overlap morphologically but also understanding how the present imperative conveys durative or iterative action. This aspectual nuance is crucial for interpreting Jesus’ teaching on prayer and significantly influences translation choices regarding the persistence required in petitioning God.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Αἰτεῖτε, καὶ δοθήσεται ὑμῖν· ζητεῖτε, καὶ εὑρήσετε· κρούετε, καὶ ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No textual variants significantly alter the meaning or grammatical form of the verbs in Matthew 7:7 between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. Both editions present an identical text for this verse.
Textual Criticism (NA28): A review of the critical apparatus in the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) for Matthew 7:7 reveals no significant textual variants affecting the forms of αιτειτε, ζητειτε, or κρουετε. The text of this verse is remarkably stable across major manuscript traditions, including those representing the Alexandrian, Western, and Byzantine text-types. This stability reinforces the confidence in the established Greek text.
Lexical Notes (BDAG, KITTEL):
- αἰτέω (aitéō): According to BDAG, αἰτέω means “to ask for, request, demand” (BDAG, s.v. αἰτέω). Kittel (TDNT, s.v. αἰτέω, vol. 1, p. 191) further clarifies that it generally denotes asking something from another, often a superior, and implies petitioning. The present tense imperative, as used here, typically conveys an action that is continuous, repeated, or habitual, rather than a single, completed event. This aspectual emphasis is crucial for understanding the command as “keep on asking.”
- ζητέω (zētéō): Defined by BDAG as “to seek, search for” (BDAG, s.v. ζητέω). Parallel to αἰτέω, the present imperative form of ζητέω signifies persistent seeking or an ongoing search.
- κρούω (kroúō): BDAG defines this as “to knock” (BDAG, s.v. κρούω). In the present imperative, it similarly implies repeated or continuous knocking, suggesting a sustained effort.
These lexical insights, particularly concerning the aspect of the present imperative, align with the initial inquiry regarding the “continuous” nature of the commanded actions.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
Grammatical Analysis: The verbs Αἰτεῖτε, ζητεῖτε, and κρούετε are all morphologically identifiable as 2nd person plural present active imperative forms. While it is true that these forms are identical to the 2nd person plural present active indicative, the immediate context of a direct command followed by a clear promise (“and it will be given to you”) overwhelmingly confirms their imperative mood. The present imperative, in contrast to the aorist imperative (which typically conveys a punctual or “get it done” action), emphasizes the *process*, *duration*, or *repetition* of the action. This aspectual nuance is paramount for understanding Jesus’ instruction: it is not merely to ask once, but to maintain a persistent posture of asking, seeking, and knocking. Therefore, translations that convey persistence—such as “keep on asking,” “continue to seek,” or “persist in knocking”—are grammatically justified and reflect the underlying Greek verbal aspect.
Rhetorical Analysis: The verse exhibits a profound rhetorical pattern characterized by a threefold parallelism. Each command (present imperative) is immediately followed by a corresponding promise (future passive or middle indicative). This structure is: Command + Consequence (Promise). This construction not only amplifies the message but also creates a sense of increasing intensity and assurance. The progression from “ask” (αἰτέω) to “seek” (ζητέω) to “knock” (κρούω) rhetorically suggests an escalation in effort and commitment on the part of the petitioner. The future passive/middle verbs—δοθήσεται (it will be given), εὑρήσετε (you will find), and ἀνοιγήσεται (it will be opened)—express a definite and certain divine response. This establishes a clear and unequivocal cause-and-effect relationship, firmly linking persistent human action to the certainty of divine reciprocation.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The grammatical analysis confirms that αιτειτε and its parallel verbs in Matthew 7:7 are unequivocally present imperatives. This grammatical mood, coupled with the present tense aspect, inherently conveys a call to continuous, persistent, or habitual action. This aspectual nuance is not merely a linguistic detail but a crucial interpretive element for understanding Jesus’ teaching on the nature of prayer, emphasizing diligence and perseverance. The rhetorical structure of the verse further underscores this message, providing an escalating series of commands and corresponding certain promises, thereby assuring the efficacy of persistent petition.
Based on this exegesis, the following translation suggestions offer distinct ways to convey the nuances of the original Greek text:
- “Keep on asking, and it will be given to you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.”
This translation most directly conveys the continuous or persistent aspect of the present imperative, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the commands. - “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
This more literal translation retains the imperative force but allows the continuous aspect to be inferred from context rather than explicitly stated, aligning with common English idiomatic commands where persistence is often implied. - “Ask persistently, and it will be given to you; search diligently, and you will find; knock repeatedly, and it will be opened to you.”
This option utilizes adverbs to explicitly qualify the commands, effectively conveying the nuance of the present imperative without altering the verb forms themselves, thus offering a balanced and interpretively rich translation.