Matthew 6:11

KJV

Give us this day our daily bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {G1325} us {G2254} this day {G4594} our {G2257} daily {G1967} bread {G740}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give us the food we need today.

Berean Standard Bible

Give us this day our daily bread.

American Standard Version

Give us this day our daily bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:11, "Give us this day our daily bread," is a pivotal petition within the Lord's Prayer, revealing a profound theological truth about humanity's complete and ongoing dependence on God's faithful provision. This concise yet comprehensive request encapsulates a posture of humility, trust, and contentment, inviting believers to align their daily needs and anxieties with the benevolent will of their Heavenly Father, who delights in sustaining His children both physically and spiritually.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' teaching on prayer, forming the fourth petition of the model prayer He provides to His disciples in [Matthew 6:9-13](/matthew/6-9-13 "Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer"). It immediately follows petitions that focus on God's glory and kingdom ("Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done") and precedes requests for forgiveness, deliverance from temptation, and protection from evil. This placement suggests a natural progression from worshipping God and seeking His will to entrusting Him with our most fundamental human needs, demonstrating that even our physical sustenance is intrinsically linked to our spiritual relationship with Him. The entire prayer is framed by Jesus' earlier warnings against hypocritical public displays of piety and meaningless repetition in prayer, emphasizing sincerity and a personal relationship with God, as seen in [Matthew 6:5-8](/matthew/6-5-8 "Matthew 6:5-8 - Jesus' Teaching on Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, bread was not merely a food item but the quintessential staple of life, often symbolizing all necessary provisions for existence. Daily labor was common, and many lived hand-to-mouth, making the concept of "daily bread" a literal reality for survival. Storing large quantities of food was not always feasible for the common person, and reliance on immediate, day-to-day provision was a widespread experience. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of hospitality and sharing food was paramount, reflecting a communal dependence on God's bounty. This petition would have resonated deeply with an audience acutely aware of their vulnerability and reliance on consistent divine sustenance in an agrarian society with limited resources and unpredictable harvests.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:11 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, asserting God as the ultimate source of all sustenance, echoing sentiments found in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life"). The phrase "this day" highlights **Present Dependence and Trust**, encouraging believers to live without anxiety for tomorrow, a concept reinforced by Jesus' later admonition in [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"). The request for "bread," a basic necessity, also speaks to **Humility and Contentment**, guiding disciples away from greed and towards gratitude for sufficiency, aligning with the call for simplicity and focus on heavenly treasures found in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a direct act of bestowal, implying that the provision comes from an external, superior source—God. It carries the sense of granting, delivering, or ministering, underscoring God's active role as the provider and humanity's posture as recipient. The use of the imperative mood ("Give!") is not a command to God, but a humble yet earnest petition, reflecting the confidence of a child asking a loving parent.
* **Daily (Greek, _epioúsios'_):** This is a unique and much-debated word in the New Testament, appearing only in the Lord's Prayer (here and in [Luke 11:3](/luke/11-3 "Luke 11:3 - Luke's Version of the Lord's Prayer")). While its precise etymology is uncertain, scholarly consensus leans towards two primary interpretations: "for subsistence" or "necessary for existence," emphasizing sufficiency for the present day, or "for the coming day," implying provision for immediate future needs. Both interpretations converge on the idea of timely, sufficient provision, discouraging hoarding or anxious foresight and promoting daily dependence.
* **Bread (Greek, _ártos'_):** Literally meaning "bread" or "a loaf," this word in ancient Near Eastern contexts often served as a metonymy for all essential provisions for life. It represents not just physical food, but everything necessary for sustenance and well-being. By asking for "bread," the petitioner expresses a need for basic, fundamental necessities rather than luxuries, fostering a spirit of contentment and trust in God for what is truly sufficient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give us this day":** This phrase establishes the immediate and communal nature of the petition. The "us" highlights that prayer is not solely individualistic but often corporate, reflecting the shared needs of the community of faith. "This day" emphasizes the present moment, teaching believers to trust God for their current needs rather than being consumed by anxieties about the distant future. It cultivates a spirit of daily reliance and gratitude, acknowledging God's moment-by-moment care.
* **"our daily bread":** This clause specifies the object of the petition: the essential provisions for life. "Our" reinforces the communal aspect, suggesting that God's provision is for the collective body of believers, implying a responsibility to share. The term "daily bread," as discussed in the key word analysis, points to sufficient, timely sustenance, whether for the present day or the immediate future. It is a request for what is necessary for existence, not for excess, promoting humility and contentment with God's faithful supply.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The entire verse functions as a **Petition**, a direct and humble request addressed to a divine authority, characteristic of prayer. The use of "bread" serves as **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**: while literally referring to physical sustenance, it broadly symbolizes all the necessities for life—physical, emotional, and even spiritual. This allows the prayer to encompass a wide range of human needs beyond mere food. The phrase "this day" creates an **Emphasis on Present Dependence**, highlighting the daily, ongoing nature of God's provision and fostering a trust that alleviates anxiety about the future. The collective pronoun "us" introduces a strong element of **Communal Prayer**, underscoring the shared human condition of dependence on God and the solidarity of believers in their needs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This petition for "daily bread" is deeply rooted in Old Testament themes of divine provision and covenant faithfulness. It echoes God's miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness, where the Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for "that day," teaching them daily dependence and obedience to God's word, as recorded in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"). It also reflects the wisdom tradition's emphasis on contentment and sufficiency, as seen in Agur's prayer in [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8-9 "Proverbs 30:8-9 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation"), which asks for neither poverty nor riches, but only "daily bread." This petition transcends mere physical sustenance, pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's care for His people, encompassing all aspects of life necessary for flourishing in His will.

* [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna Provided Daily")
* [Proverbs 30:8](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8 - Agur's Prayer for Sustenance")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:11 calls believers to cultivate a profound and practical posture of daily dependence on God. In a world often characterized by anxiety, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of more, this simple prayer serves as a powerful antidote. It invites us to release our worries about tomorrow, trusting that the same God who faithfully sustained His people throughout history will provide for our needs in the present moment. This doesn't negate responsible planning or hard work, but it reorients our hearts to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all good things. Furthermore, the communal "us" reminds us that our provision is not solely for individual consumption but implies a responsibility to share with those who lack, fostering generosity and compassion within the body of Christ and beyond. It encourages gratitude for the simple, essential blessings of life, shifting our focus from what we perceive as lacking to the abundance of God's faithful, moment-by-moment care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle most with trusting God for daily provision, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual?**
* **How might praying "Give us this day our daily bread" daily reshape your perspective on anxiety and contentment?**
* **What does the "us" in this petition imply about our responsibility to share God's provision with others?**

### FAQ
**Does "daily bread" only refer to physical food, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While "bread" literally refers to physical sustenance, in biblical usage, it often serves as a metonymy for all essential provisions for life. Therefore, "daily bread" encompasses everything necessary for our well-being—physical necessities like food, water, and shelter, but also spiritual sustenance, emotional strength, and the wisdom needed for each day. It is a comprehensive request for God to supply all that we truly need to live and serve Him effectively in the present moment.

**Why does Jesus teach us to ask for "daily" bread, rather than for long-term provision?**

Answer: Jesus teaches us to ask for "daily" bread to cultivate a spirit of continuous dependence and trust in God. This approach mirrors God's provision of manna in the wilderness, where the Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for each day, preventing hoarding and fostering daily reliance on God ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna Provided Daily")). It is an antidote to anxiety about the future, encouraging us to live in the present, trusting God for today's needs, as Jesus further emphasizes in [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"). This daily request builds faith and reminds us that God's faithfulness is constant and immediate.

**If God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:8), why do we still need to ask for "daily bread"?**

Answer: Jesus explicitly states in [Matthew 6:8](/matthew/6-8 "Matthew 6:8 - God Knows Your Needs") that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask. Therefore, the purpose of this petition is not to inform God, but to transform us. Asking for "daily bread" is an act of humility, acknowledging our dependence on God and aligning our hearts with His will. It is an expression of trust, a discipline that combats anxiety, and a reminder that all good things come from Him. It fosters a relational posture of reliance rather than self-sufficiency, deepening our communion with the Giver of all good gifts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The petition for "daily bread" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. While the immediate context refers to physical sustenance, the deeper theological resonance points to Christ as the true and ultimate "bread of life." In [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." This spiritual bread, which gives life to the world, is not a temporary provision but an eternal one, satisfying the deepest longings of the human soul. Just as physical bread sustains the body, Christ's sacrifice and His indwelling Spirit sustain believers spiritually, providing daily grace, truth, and strength. The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, where believers partake of bread and wine, serves as a tangible reminder of Christ's body broken for us, symbolizing the ongoing spiritual nourishment we receive from Him ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). Thus, when we pray for "daily bread," we are not only asking for physical necessities but implicitly for a deeper communion with the One who is our ultimate sustenance, our very life, and our hope for eternity, continually drawing from the inexhaustible well of His grace and truth ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")).

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

Proverbs 30:8

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Luke 11:3

Give us day by day our daily bread.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

John 6:31

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

John 6:59

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].