Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:9

What does Matthew 6:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:9 means

Jesus, having instructed on how *not* to pray, now provides a model for how to pray, often called the Lord's Prayer. It begins with an address to "Our Father who art in heaven," immediately establishing a relationship of intimacy and reverence with God. The first petition, "Hallowed be thy name," expresses a desire for God's name, His character and reputation, to be treated with ultimate reverence, seen as holy, and honored by all.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let this then be your prayer: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

thus therefore pray ye: `Our Father who <FI>art<Fi> in the heavens! hallowed be Thy name.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be sanctified,

Context

This verse initiates the Lord's Prayer, serving as a direct response to the preceding instructions on prayer (verses 5-8). It moves from warnings against hypocritical and repetitive prayer to a positive example of genuine prayer. This opening petition sets the priority for all subsequent requests in the prayer, focusing first on God's glory and holiness before moving to human needs.

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

v.9This passage

v.10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Cross references

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

  • John 20:17

    Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.

  • Leviticus 10:3

    Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that Jehovah spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

  • Revelation 5:12

    saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

  • Luke 2:14

    Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

  • Ezekiel 36:23

    And I will sanctify my great name, which hath been profaned among the nations, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I am Jehovah, saith the Lord Jehovah, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

  • Isaiah 37:20

    Now therefore, O Jehovah our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art Jehovah, even thou only.

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