King James Version
Matthew 6:8 in the King James Version says “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
Matthew 6:8 · KJV
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 .
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“not”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“knoweth”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“for”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“what things”
G3739the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
“need of”
G5532employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
“ye have”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Matthew 6:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge