King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:9 Mean?

Matthew 6:9 in the King James Version says “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 6:9 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

10

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

11

Give us this day our daily bread.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus begins the Lord's Prayer with 'Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name' (Greek: Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, 'Our Father in the heavens'). The address 'Our Father' (not 'my') emphasizes corporate relationship - prayer is communal. 'Father' (Πάτερ/Abba) expresses intimacy yet 'in heaven' maintains transcendence; God is both near and exalted. 'Hallowed be thy name' (ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου) is passive voice - may Your name be sanctified/treated as holy. This first petition prioritizes God's glory before any human requests. The 'name' represents God's full character and reputation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer typically began with extended praise (Kaddish prayer shares structure with Lord's Prayer). Addressing God as 'Father' was relatively rare in Second Temple Judaism, though not unprecedented (Isaiah 63:16). Jesus' habitual use of 'Abba' shocked contemporaries with its intimacy. The petition for God's name to be hallowed echoes Ezekiel 36:23 where God acts to vindicate His profaned name among nations. Early Christians prayed this prayer three times daily.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does addressing God as 'our Father' shape our understanding of prayer as corporate, not merely individual?
  2. What does it mean to hallow God's name in practical, daily living?
  3. How does beginning with God's glory reorder our prayer priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὕτως1 of 14

“After this manner”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

οὖν2 of 14

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

προσεύχεσθε3 of 14

“pray”

G4336

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

ὑμεῖς·4 of 14

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

Πάτερ5 of 14

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν6 of 14

“Our”

G2257

of (or from) us

τὸ7 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν8 of 14

“art in”

G1722

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

τὸ9 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς10 of 14

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἁγιασθήτω11 of 14

“Hallowed be”

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

τὸ12 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

ὄνομά13 of 14

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

σου·14 of 14

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 4:11Luke 11:1-4Romans 8:15Psalms 111:9Isaiah 64:8Ezekiel 36:23

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