1.2 KiB
Jesus continues to teach his disciples. This event began in Matthew 5:1. Jesus is talking to a group of people about what might happen to them as individuals. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural.
ask ... seek ... knock
These are three metaphors for persistent prayer. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor.) If your language has a form for continuing to do things over time (see UDB), use it here.
ask
request things from God (see UDB)
seek
"expect" (UDB) or "search for"
knock
To knock on a door was a polite way to request that the person inside the house or room open the door. If knocking on a door is impolite, use the word that describes how people politely ask for doors to be opened or translate it "tell God you want him to open the door."
Or .... Or
Jesus is about to say what he has just said in different words. These may be omitted (UDB).
what man among you is there
This rhetorical question means "none of you would." (See: UDB, rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
a loaf of bread ... stone ... fish ... snake
These should be translated literally.
a loaf of bread
"some food"