Matthew 6:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy {G4675} kingdom {G932} come {G2064}. Thy {G4675} will {G2307} be done {G1096} in {G1909} earth {G1093}, as {G2532}{G5613} it is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:10, a central petition within the Lord's Prayer, articulates a profound longing for the full manifestation of God's sovereign rule and perfect will on Earth. This verse encapsulates a desire for God's kingdom to actively advance and for His divine purposes to be accomplished universally, mirroring the unhindered obedience and perfect order that exist in the heavenly realm. It is a prayer that aligns human aspirations with God's ultimate redemptive plan for creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' teaching on prayer, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"). Following the initial hallowing of God's name in [Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer Begins"), this petition shifts the focus from God's inherent holiness to the active outworking of His divine nature in the world. It is the second of three "Thy" petitions, emphasizing God's person and purposes before moving to human needs. The structure of the prayer, moving from God-focused concerns to human-focused requests, underscores the priority of God's glory and kingdom. This particular verse sets the theological foundation for the subsequent petitions concerning daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil, framing all human needs within the overarching context of God's kingdom and will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of God's "kingdom" was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, often associated with a future messianic age when God would decisively intervene to establish His rule, deliver His people, and bring justice to the Earth. Many expected a political and military kingdom that would overthrow Roman oppression. Jesus, however, introduces a nuanced understanding of the kingdom—one that is "at hand" [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry"), already present in His person and ministry, yet also future and consummative. The phrase "Thy will be done" also reflects a profound Jewish tradition of submission to God's decrees (e.g., the Shema). The prayer's setting in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasts His teaching with the legalism of the Pharisees, highlights a call for genuine, heart-felt devotion and alignment with God's purposes, moving beyond mere outward ritual.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is the **Kingdom of God**, which Jesus proclaims and embodies throughout His ministry. This kingdom is both a present reality, inaugurated by Christ's first advent [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God Within"), and a future hope, awaiting its full consummation [Matthew 25:31-34](/matthew/25-31-34 "Matthew 25:31-34 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Will**, emphasizing God's ultimate authority and His perfect plan for creation. The petition for God's will to be done underscores the necessity of human submission and cooperation with divine purposes. Finally, the phrase "in earth, as it is in heaven" introduces the theme of **Heavenly Standard and Earthly Transformation**, portraying heaven as the ideal realm where God's will is perfectly executed, and expressing a longing for that divine order to be replicated on Earth. This reflects an eschatological tension, where believers live between the "already" of God's kingdom breaking in and the "not yet" of its full establishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, this term refers not merely to a geographical territory or a realm, but more profoundly to the active exercise of royal power, the reign or kingship itself. Thus, "Thy kingdom come" is a prayer for God's active, dynamic rule to penetrate and transform the earthly sphere, bringing all things under His benevolent authority.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, this verb signifies movement towards a place or state. In this context, it implies an active, dynamic arrival or manifestation. It is not a passive waiting for the kingdom, but an earnest plea for its powerful and transformative irruption into the present reality, bringing about God's desired state.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, this word denotes a determination, purpose, or desire. It encompasses God's deliberate plan and moral directives. Praying "Thy will be done" is a surrender to God's perfect and wise purposes, seeking their complete realization on Earth, acknowledging that His intentions are always good and ultimately for the flourishing of His creation.
* **be done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, this verb means "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen." It suggests the active realization or accomplishment of something. When paired with "will," it signifies a desire for God's purposes to be fully enacted, not just conceptually acknowledged, but powerfully brought into existence and lived out in the world.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, this term refers to the solid part of the terrene globe, the land, or the world, including its inhabitants. The petition specifically targets the terrestrial realm, emphasizing the desire for God's kingdom and will to transform the physical and social realities of human existence, bringing heavenly order to earthly chaos.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** From G3772, this refers to the sky, and by extension, the abode of God. It represents the realm of perfect divine order, immediate obedience, and unhindered communion with God. The comparison "as in heaven" sets the ultimate standard for the desired state on Earth, where God's will is perfectly and joyfully executed without resistance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy kingdom come."**: This is a direct petition for the active reign and sovereign rule of God to be fully established and manifested. It is a prayer for the advancement of God's redemptive purposes, both in the hearts of individuals and in the world at large. It anticipates the full consummation of God's kingdom at the end of time, while also recognizing its present, albeit partial, reality through Christ's work.
* **"Thy will be done in earth,"**: This clause expresses a deep longing for God's perfect and righteous purposes to be accomplished on the terrestrial sphere. It is a surrender of human will to divine wisdom and a plea for God's moral and providential will to be realized in all aspects of human life and society, countering sin and disorder.
* **"as [it is] in heaven."**: This concluding phrase provides the standard and ideal for the preceding petitions. It implies a desire for the same perfect, immediate, and unhindered obedience to God's will that exists among the heavenly host to be replicated on Earth. In heaven, God's will is executed without question or delay; the prayer seeks this same level of submission, harmony, and effectiveness in the earthly realm.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:10 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "Thy kingdom come" is closely aligned with "Thy will be done." These two petitions express a similar underlying desire for God's active rule and purpose to be realized. The phrase "in earth, as it is in heaven" functions as a **Simile** or **Analogy**, setting a divine standard for earthly reality and highlighting the stark contrast between the perfect order of heaven and the brokenness of Earth, while simultaneously expressing hope for transformation. The entire verse is a **Petitionary Prayer**, a direct appeal to God for specific divine action. Furthermore, the concept of "kingdom" functions as a rich **Metaphor** for God's dynamic, sovereign reign, extending beyond a literal territory to encompass His authority, power, and redemptive activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:10 is profoundly theological, anchoring the believer's life in God's ultimate sovereignty and redemptive plan. It articulates a core Christian desire for God's active reign to break into the present world, transforming it according to His perfect will. This petition acknowledges God's ultimate authority and goodness, inviting believers to align their lives and prayers with His divine purposes. It speaks to the "already and not yet" nature of God's kingdom—it has been inaugurated by Christ, yet awaits its full consummation. The prayer is not merely a passive wish but an active participation in God's mission, recognizing that as God's will is done on Earth, His kingdom advances. It calls for a radical reorientation of human desires towards God's glory and the establishment of His righteous rule in all spheres of life, from personal conduct to societal structures.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Kingdom Rules Over All")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:10 is far more than a simple request; it is a profound declaration of faith and a call to active, Spirit-empowered living. To pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" means to surrender our personal agendas and desires to God's perfect plan, trusting in His wisdom and goodness above our own. It compels us to examine where our lives, our communities, and our world fall short of God's heavenly standard and to actively participate in bringing about His desired transformation. This involves not only fervent prayer but also living as agents of His kingdom—seeking justice, promoting peace, demonstrating love, and sharing the Gospel. It is a prayer that challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies in the full establishment of God's reign, and to live daily in anticipation of that glorious future, allowing God's will to shape our every thought, word, and deed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to surrender my will more fully to God's will?**
* **How can I actively participate in bringing God's kingdom and will to bear in my family, workplace, and community?**
* **What does it look like for God's will to be "done on earth as it is in heaven" in the context of current global challenges or injustices?**
* **How does praying this petition regularly shape my perspective on daily events and long-term goals?**

### FAQ
**What does "Thy kingdom come" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: In practical terms, "Thy kingdom come" means actively desiring and working for God's sovereign rule to be manifested in every sphere of life. This includes personal transformation, where individuals submit to God's authority and live according to His principles [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"). It also extends to societal transformation, where believers seek to apply biblical values to issues of justice, mercy, and truth, influencing culture for Christ. Furthermore, it encompasses the spread of the Gospel, bringing more people into God's saving reign, and living with an eschatological hope for the full and final establishment of God's kingdom at Christ's return [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

**How can we know God's "will" to ensure we are praying for it to be done?**

Answer: Knowing God's will primarily comes through diligent study of His revealed Word, the Bible, which provides clear moral and ethical directives [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet"). It also involves prayer and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture and leads believers into truth [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You"). Additionally, discerning God's will involves wise counsel from mature believers and observing God's providential leading in circumstances, always aligning these with biblical principles. Ultimately, God's overarching will is for His glory to be made known and for all people to come to repentance and faith in Christ [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All People to Be Saved").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the King of the kingdom whose coming is prayed for; indeed, He inaugurated the kingdom through His earthly ministry, declaring, "[The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")." Jesus perfectly embodied the doing of God's will, stating, "[I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")." His entire life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion and resurrection, was a perfect submission to the Father's plan, culminating in the ultimate act of obedience on the cross, where "[He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")." Through His atoning work, Jesus made it possible for God's will to be done in human hearts, transforming them by the power of the Holy Spirit. His resurrection and ascension signify His enthronement as King, ensuring the progressive advancement of God's kingdom on Earth until His glorious return, when "[the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")." Thus, praying Matthew 6:10 is a prayer for Christ's present reign to expand and for His future, complete dominion to be fully realized.

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

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Matthew 12:50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.