Luke 11:4

KJV

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} forgive {G863} us {G2254} our {G2257} sins {G266}; for {G1063} we {G846} also {G2532} forgive {G863} every one {G3956} that is indebted {G3784} to us {G2254}. And {G2532} lead {G1533} us {G2248} not {G3361} into {G1519} temptation {G3986}; but {G235} deliver {G4506} us {G2248} from {G575} evil {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Forgive us our sins, for we too forgive everyone who has wronged us.
And do not lead us to hard testing.’”

Berean Standard Bible

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

American Standard Version

And forgive us our sins; for we ourselves also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:4, a pivotal part of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, encapsulates two essential petitions: a plea for divine forgiveness and a request for divine protection from temptation and evil. This verse profoundly underscores the believer's daily, absolute dependence on God for both spiritual cleansing and ongoing spiritual safety, highlighting the interconnectedness of receiving God's grace and extending it to others, while acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' response to a disciple's earnest request, "[Lord, teach us to pray](/luke/11-1 "Luke 11:1 - Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray")." The prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer, is presented in Luke's Gospel as a model for intimate and dependent communication with God, rather than a rigid liturgy. While a more extensive version appears in [Matthew 6:9-13](/matthew/6-9-13 "Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer in Matthew"), both accounts convey the same foundational principles: acknowledging God's holiness, seeking His kingdom, relying on Him for daily provision, confessing sin, extending forgiveness, and asking for divine protection. Luke's concise rendition emphasizes the core petitions, making them directly applicable to the daily life of a disciple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Jewish context, prayer was a central aspect of religious life, with various formalized prayers and spontaneous petitions. Disciples often learned specific prayers from their rabbis. Jesus' teaching on prayer, therefore, was not unusual in itself, but its content was revolutionary. The concept of "debt" as a metaphor for "sin" was common, reflecting a societal understanding of obligations and transgressions. The idea of "temptation" (testing or trial) was also deeply rooted in Old Testament narratives, where God tested His people (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness")) and where humanity faced moral challenges. The pervasive belief in spiritual forces of evil, including Satan, was also a significant part of the worldview, making the petition for deliverance from evil deeply resonant.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 11:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **dependence on God** for all spiritual needs, from forgiveness to protection. It highlights **the nature of God's forgiveness** as both gracious and transformative, demanding a reciprocal spirit of forgiveness towards others, a concept Jesus emphasizes elsewhere, such as in the [Parable of the Unforgiving Servant](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant"). Furthermore, it addresses the reality of **spiritual warfare and the struggle against sin**, acknowledging the need for divine intervention to navigate the world's temptations and the influence of evil. This verse also implicitly touches upon the theme of **discipleship**, as it outlines a posture of humility and reliance essential for following Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía_):** This term literally means "missing the mark" or "falling short." In a theological context, it refers to any thought, word, or deed that deviates from God's perfect standard and will. Here, it signifies a spiritual debt or transgression against God, emphasizing humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's law and our constant need for His mercy and pardon.
* **temptation (Greek, _peirasmós_):** This word carries a dual meaning: it can refer to a "test" or "trial" designed to prove one's faith and character, or an "enticement to sin" that seeks to lead one astray. In this prayer, the petition is not to avoid all trials, which are often necessary for spiritual growth, but specifically to be protected from overwhelming trials that might lead to spiritual failure or to succumbing to enticements that lead to sin. It's a plea for God's preventative grace.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós_):** This term is significant because it can be interpreted in two ways: as a general neuter noun referring to "evil" in the abstract sense (e.g., evil circumstances, evil influences, moral wickedness) or as a masculine noun referring to "the Evil One," namely Satan. Given the New Testament's clear emphasis on spiritual warfare and Satan's role as the adversary, many scholars understand this petition primarily as a plea for deliverance from the personal agency and machinations of the devil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forgive us our sins;":** This opening clause is a direct and humble plea for divine pardon. It acknowledges humanity's inherent sinfulness and the continuous need for God's grace to cleanse and reconcile us to Him. It recognizes that sin creates a barrier between humanity and a holy God, and only His sovereign act of forgiveness can remove it.
* **"for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.":** This crucial clause presents a condition or a reflection of a transformed heart. The Greek particle "for" (gár) indicates a reason or explanation. It's not a transactional "if we forgive, then God forgives," but rather an affirmation that a heart truly touched by God's forgiveness will naturally extend that grace to others. Our willingness to forgive those who have wronged us serves as evidence that we have grasped the depth of God's forgiveness towards us, and it is a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of His pardon.
* **"And lead us not into temptation;":** This petition is a request for God's protective guidance. It is not an accusation that God tempts anyone to sin (as [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt Anyone") clarifies), but rather a plea for God to prevent us from entering into situations where we might be overwhelmed by trials or enticements that could lead to spiritual failure. It is a recognition of human weakness and a reliance on divine strength to navigate the moral complexities of life.
* **"but deliver us from evil.":** This final plea seeks God's active rescue. Following the petition concerning temptation, it asks for liberation from the pervasive power of evil in the world and, more specifically, from the influence and attacks of "the Evil One" (Satan). It acknowledges a spiritual battle and the believer's need for God's sovereign intervention and strength to overcome spiritual adversaries and the destructive forces of wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:4 employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main petitions: "forgive us our sins" and "lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil," which are structurally similar in their direct address to God and their focus on spiritual needs. The phrase "for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us" functions as a **conditional clause** or an explanatory **justification**, linking human action to divine response, though not in a meritorious sense. The use of "sins" being equated with "indebtedness" is a form of **metaphor**, where spiritual transgression is presented as a financial or moral obligation that needs to be settled. Finally, the ambiguity of "evil" (Greek, _ponērou_) allows for a rich **double entendre**, referring to both general wickedness and the personification of evil in Satan, thereby encompassing a broad scope of spiritual danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, humanity, and the spiritual life. It affirms God's character as merciful and just, willing to forgive but also expecting a transformed heart that mirrors His grace. It highlights humanity's fallen nature and constant need for redemption and protection. The petition for forgiveness underscores the New Covenant reality where sin is atoned for through Christ, yet daily confession and repentance remain vital for the believer's walk. The prayer for deliverance from temptation and evil acknowledges the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers face, emphasizing that victory is found not in self-reliance but in God's sovereign power and protection. This verse thus serves as a theological anchor for understanding Christian humility, dependence, and the call to live out the grace received.

* [Mark 11:25](/mark/11-25 "Mark 11:25 - Forgive So That Your Father May Forgive You")
* [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt Anyone")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:4 is far more than a set of words to be recited; it is a profound guide for a life lived in humble dependence on God. It calls us to a daily posture of self-examination, acknowledging our persistent need for God's forgiveness, not just for egregious sins but for the subtle ways we miss the mark. This verse challenges us to internalize the radical nature of God's grace by extending that same grace to others, recognizing that our willingness to forgive is a powerful indicator of our own spiritual health and our grasp of God's mercy. Furthermore, it compels us to be vigilant against the temptations and evil forces that seek to derail our faith, prompting us to actively seek God's protective hand and guidance in every situation. This prayer cultivates a deep awareness of our spiritual vulnerability and God's unwavering power, encouraging us to lean on Him for strength, wisdom, and deliverance in a world fraught with spiritual dangers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God's forgiveness today, and how does your confession reflect genuine repentance?**
* **Is there anyone you are currently struggling to forgive, and how might releasing that bitterness open you more fully to God's forgiveness in your own life?**
* **What temptations or trials are you currently facing, and how can you actively pray for God's guidance and deliverance rather than relying on your own strength?**
* **How does understanding God's protection from "the Evil One" impact your daily walk and your approach to spiritual warfare?**

### FAQ
**Does "lead us not into temptation" imply that God tempts us to sin?**

Answer: No, this petition does not imply that God actively tempts believers to sin. The Bible explicitly states in [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt Anyone") that "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." The Greek word for "temptation" (_peirasmós_) can mean both a "test" or "trial" and an "enticement to sin." In this context, the prayer is a plea for God's protective hand to prevent us from entering into overwhelming trials that might lead us to fall into sin, or to be overcome by enticements from our flesh, the world, or the devil. It's a request for God's guidance to steer us away from situations where our faith might be severely tested beyond our capacity, or where we might succumb to evil influences. It emphasizes our dependence on God to navigate the spiritual dangers of life.

**What is the significance of forgiving others as a prerequisite for receiving God's forgiveness?**

Answer: The phrase "for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us" is crucial. It's not a transactional exchange where our forgiveness earns God's forgiveness. Instead, it highlights that a heart truly transformed by God's grace and forgiveness will naturally be inclined to extend that same grace to others. Our willingness to forgive others is evidence that we have genuinely understood and received the vastness of God's forgiveness towards us. Jesus emphasizes this principle elsewhere, such as in the [Parable of the Unforgiving Servant](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant") in Matthew 18, where the servant who received immense forgiveness refused to forgive a small debt owed to him. Our capacity to forgive others reflects the work of God's Spirit within us and is a vital component of living in right relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of its petitions. He is the one through whom God's forgiveness is made possible, for He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate payment for our "sins" or "debts," offering complete and eternal pardon to all who believe, as [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") reminds us that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Furthermore, Jesus Himself faced and triumphed over every "temptation," including the intense trials in the wilderness (as detailed in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus")), demonstrating His perfect obedience and providing a model for enduring trials. He understands our weaknesses, for He was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Finally, Jesus is the one who has definitively conquered "evil" and "the Evil One." Through His death and resurrection, He disarmed the powers of darkness and triumphed over Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). As our living Lord and High Priest, He continually intercedes for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), delivering us from evil and enabling us to walk in freedom and victory. Thus, every petition in Luke 11:4 points to Christ as the source and sustainer of our spiritual life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:12

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

Matthew 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 43:26

Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.