King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:11 Mean?

Matthew 6:11 in the King James Version says “Give us this day our daily bread.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Matthew 6:11 · KJV

Context

9

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

10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11

Give us this day our daily bread.

12

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer shifts from God-centered to human-need petitions: 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Greek: τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον, 'our bread, the daily'). The word ἐπιούσιον (epiousios) is rare, possibly meaning 'daily,' 'necessary for existence,' or 'for the coming day.' This petition acknowledges complete dependence on God's provision, echoing manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) which was gathered daily. 'This day' emphasizes present trust rather than anxious accumulation. 'Bread' represents all physical necessities, not luxury. This simple request teaches humble dependence and gratitude for basic provision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In agrarian first-century Palestine, daily bread was literal concern for most people living subsistence-level existence. Crop failures, Roman taxation, and economic exploitation made food security precarious. Day laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) literally depended on daily wages for daily bread. Jesus' teaching against anxiety (6:25-34) follows this prayer, reinforcing trust in daily provision. Early Christians practiced communal sharing (Acts 2:44-45), living out this prayer's economics of sufficiency rather than surplus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does praying for daily bread challenge our culture's emphasis on accumulation and self-sufficiency?
  2. What does this petition teach about appropriate versus anxious concern for physical needs?
  3. In what ways does dependence on God for daily provision foster gratitude and trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
τὸν1 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄρτον2 of 8

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

ἡμῶν3 of 8

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

τὸν4 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπιούσιον5 of 8

“daily”

G1967

tomorrow's; but more probably from g1909 and a derivative of the present participle feminine of g1510; for subsistence, i.e., needful

δὸς6 of 8

“Give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἡμῖν7 of 8

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

σήμερον·8 of 8

“this day”

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 6:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 30:8Luke 11:3Matthew 4:4Psalms 34:10John 6:31-59Job 23:12

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