King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:7 Mean?

Matthew 6:7 in the King James Version says “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much sp... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 6:7 · KJV


Context

5

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly .

7

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

8

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

9

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The warning against 'vain repetitions' (Greek 'battalogeo'—meaningless babbling) condemns mindless, mechanical prayer that multiplies words without heart engagement. The comparison to heathens who think 'they shall be heard for their much speaking' references pagan practices of repetitive incantations designed to manipulate deities. True prayer is personal communion with the Father who knows our needs, not magical formulas to coerce divine action. Quality of relationship matters infinitely more than quantity of words.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pagan prayers in the Greco-Roman world often involved repetitive formulas, magical names, and lengthy invocations attempting to gain gods' attention through sheer volume. Some Jewish traditions also developed elaborate, lengthy prayers. Jesus condemns empty verbosity while affirming persistent, heartfelt prayer (Luke 18:1-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between wrong 'vain repetitions' and right persistent prayer or liturgical forms?
  2. What does this warning teach about viewing prayer as relationship with a personal Father versus mechanical religious ritual?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Προσευχόμενοι1 of 15

when ye pray

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

δὲ2 of 15

But

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ3 of 15

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βαττολογήσητε,4 of 15

use

G945

to stutter, i.e., (by implication) to prate tediously

ὥσπερ5 of 15

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

οἱ6 of 15
G3588

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

ἐθνικοί7 of 15

the heathen

G1482

national ("ethnic"), i.e., (specially) a gentile

δοκοῦσιν8 of 15

they think

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

γὰρ9 of 15

do for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι10 of 15

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν11 of 15

for

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ12 of 15
G3588

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

πολυλογίᾳ13 of 15

much speaking

G4180

loquacity, i.e., prolixity

αὐτῶν14 of 15

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰσακουσθήσονται15 of 15

they shall be heard

G1522

to listen to


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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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