What does Matthew 6:13 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 6:13 is part of the Christian prayer known as the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus taught to his disciples as a model for how they should pray.

This particular verse can be broken down into two requests directed towards God.

The first request is "And lead us not into temptation," in which the one praying asks God for guidance away from situations that may result in sin.

The word "temptation" here refers to tests or trials that may lead to moral failure.

The second request is "but deliver us from evil," which is a plea for protection from evil influences or actions, both from within the individual and external sources.

Some theological interpretations also define "evil" as "the evil one," referring to Satan or a personification of evil.

Finally, the verse concludes with a doxology: "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." This part is a declaration of God's sovereignty and a recognition of His eternal authority and majesty. The affirmation "Amen" signifies agreement and trust in what has been said.

Historical Context

Matthew 6:13 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7.

During the first century, when Jesus delivered this sermon, the Jewish people were under Roman occupation and experienced various forms of temptation and oppression.

The teaching of a prayer that included a plea for deliverance from evil would resonate deeply with an audience living under such conditions.

The Lord's Prayer reflects the sociocultural and religious traditions of Second Temple Judaism but also diverges in emphasizing a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father, a central theme in Jesus's teachings.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse provides insights into the nature of God as protector and guide. Different denominations may interpret it slightly differently. For instance:

• Traditional Catholic theology puts an emphasis on the reality of sin and the necessity of divine assistance to resist temptation.
• Many Protestant interpretations focus on the sovereignty of God and His Kingdom, suggesting that ultimately, all things are under His control.
• Some contemporary Christian scholars view "temptation" as not only moral challenges but also broader life trials.

Regardless of denomination, theologians often agree that this verse reflects the human condition's susceptibility to sin and the need for God's intervention.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 6:13 could be understood as a call to be vigilant and prayerful against life's many temptations and moral challenges.

It encourages individuals to seek out God's guidance and assistance in overcoming personal struggles and to maintain a focus on the ultimate power and glory of God.

The verse can provide comfort and remind believers that they are not alone in their trials.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
• James 1:13: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man."
• 2 Peter 2:9: "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "Temptation" (πειρασμός, peirasmos): a trial or test that carries the potential to lead into sin.
• "Evil" (πονηροῦ, ponērou): this can refer to moral evil, or in some contexts, specifically to the evil one, i.e., the devil.
• "Deliver" (ῥύσαι, rhyssai): to rescue or save.
• "Kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): chiefly God's reign or rule.
• "Power" (δύναμις, dynamis): strength or ability, indicating God's omnipotence.
• "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): honor, renown; the splendor that belongs to God alone.
• "Forever" (αἰῶνας, aionas): an age, an indefinite period of time, eternity.
• "Amen" (ἀμήν, Amēn): truly, verily, so be it.

Each term underscores the prayer's theological depth and the attributes of God being addressed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious spectrum of the time, the idea of asking deities for protection from evil was not unique to Judaism and Christianity.

Many ancient religions had similar practices, where prayers and rituals were aimed at warding off evil spirits or influences. For instance, the various forms of paganism that surrounded the Jewish people would often involve making offerings to gods for protection.

However, the concept of a personal, monotheistic God who invites individuals into a relationship and who reigns over an eternal kingdom is distinct within the context of Christianity and Judaism.

Scientific Perspectives

Science mainly operates within the framework of empirical evidence and as such does not generally cover theological concepts such as "temptation" and "evil." However, psychology as a science does offer insights into human behavior and the mechanisms of temptation, including the study of willpower, decision-making, and moral cognition.

Modern scientific understandings of human behavior can complement the theological perspectives by explaining why people may succumb to temptations and how they may be better equipped to resist them.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Matthew 6:13. Commentaries often note the verse's connection to Jewish prayers of the period, such as the Kaddish, which also glorifies God and appeals for the establishment of His kingdom.

• William Barclay states that "The Lord's Prayer covers all of life." He also emphasizes the personal and communal dimensions of the prayer, that it is a request for help in overcoming personal temptation, but also a communal hope for the world to be freed from evil and for God's kingdom to come.
• John Calvin speaks to the idea that this prayer serves as a defense against our own wickedness and the snares of our enemy, indicating that no one is strong enough to protect themselves, thus requiring divine protection.
• Matthew Henry comments on the perpetual reign of God's kingdom and that the deliverance from evil implies that evil is present and a real threat to believers.