What does Matthew 6:9 mean?
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9
Explanation
The verse Matthew 6:9 is the opening phrase of what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer, which is a model prayer that Jesus Christ taught his disciples. The verse establishes a framework for how followers of Jesus should approach prayer, by first acknowledging the holiness and transcendence of God.
In this verse, “Our Father which art in heaven” signifies a personal relationship between God and the believer, implying that God is a caring parent to His followers. It emphasizes the communal aspect of prayer, using “Our” rather than “My,” suggesting that prayer is not just an individual act but also a collective one.
“Hallowed be thy name,” signifies the deep respect and reverence due to God. To hallow something means to honor it as holy. In this context, it means that God’s name should be treated with the utmost respect and held sacred, and that His name is above all other names.
Historical Context
The verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is a compilation of Jesus’ teachings found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7). It is believed to have been delivered to his disciples and a large crowd on a mountain in Galilee. The Sermon on the Mount includes instructions on ethics, spirituality, and wisdom. The Lord’s Prayer is presented as a contrast to the practices of the Pharisees, who were often criticized by Jesus for their ostentatious prayers that were meant to display piety for public approval rather than an intimate conversation with God.
Theological Insights
Theologically, this verse raises the topic of God’s sovereignty and holiness. The phrase “in heaven” indicates God’s sovereign rule over the universe, and it contrasts with earthly kingdoms. From different theological perspectives:
- In Trinitarian theology, God is understood as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Addressing God as “Father” highlights the relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as the relationship that believers can share with God through Jesus.
- In non-Trinitarian or Oneness viewpoints, this verse continues to emphasize God’s fatherly role but may interpret the term “Father” differently.
Practical Applications
In daily life, this verse can guide one’s prayer life:
- By starting prayers with adoration and reverence for God, this can help believers focus on God’s greatness before presenting personal requests.
- Recalling that God is the Father of all can encourage unity and communal relationships among believers.
- By honoring God’s name, it may influence how people live, aiming to act in ways that reflect positively on their faith and on God.
Cross-References
- Luke 11:2: “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”
- Isaiah 29:23: “But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.”
- Psalm 103:19: “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
Language Study
- “Father” (Greek: πατήρ, patēr): Refers to a nourisher, protector, upholder. It implies a close, intimate relationship.
- “Hallowed” (Greek: ἁγιάζω, hagiazō): Means to make holy, consecrate, venerate.
- “Name” (Greek: ὄνομα, onoma): In addition to someone’s name, this can mean reputation, fame, glory, and signifies the manifested character of a person.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In Jewish tradition, the sanctification of God’s name (Kiddush Hashem) is essential, and prayers such as the Kaddish strive to glorify God’s name. In other ancient religions, the name of a god was also considered sacred and powerful, and it was believed that knowing a god’s true name could give one power over that god or its domain.
Scientific Perspectives
While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry, the respect for the transcendent, which is voiced in this prayer, can be reminiscent of the awe and wonder many experience when contemplating the vastness of the universe and the complex laws governing it, which some may attribute to a divine Creator.
Commentaries
Various scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:
- John Calvin noted that by calling God “Father,” Jesus “shows what is the first notion which we ought to cherish towards Him… it is this: we ought to be persuaded that He is a good and indulgent Father.”
- Martin Luther emphasized the universal aspect of “Our Father,” expressing that “With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children.”
- Modern theologians like N.T. Wright suggest that “heaven” does not imply a distant deity but one who is sovereign over the whole earth and its happenings. Wright, as with other scholars, sees this as a radical redefinition of what it means to engage with God in prayer.