Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:7

What does Matthew 6:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:7 means

Jesus further refines His teaching on prayer by warning against "vain repetitions" like those practiced by the Gentiles. The Gentiles, in their pagan worship, often believed that using many words or endlessly repeating phrases would somehow compel their deities to hear them, quantity over quality being their misguided focus. This reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's nature and relationship with His people, treating prayer as a magical incantation rather than a personal conversation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in your prayer do not make use of the same words again and again, as the Gentiles do: for they have the idea that God will give attention to them because of the number of their words.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And--praying--ye may not use vain repetitions like the nations, for they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as those who are of the nations: for they think they shall be heard through their much speaking.

Context

This verse continues Jesus' instruction on prayer, building on the call for private prayer in verse 6. It shifts from the *where* of prayer to the *how* of prayer, cautioning against a particular style of prayer. This warning against empty, verbose prayers serves as a setup for the model prayer that Jesus is about to give, which will demonstrate a concise and meaningful approach to speaking with God.

v.6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

v.7This passage

v.8Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 9:18

    O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies’ sake.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:7

    For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.

  • Matthew 26:39

    And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

  • Matthew 26:44

    And he left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same words.

  • Matthew 6:32

    For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

  • Acts 19:34

    But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

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