Matthew 6:9

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

After this manner {G3779} therefore {G3767} pray {G4336} ye {G5210}: Our {G2257} Father {G3962} which {G3588} art in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, Hallowed be {G37} thy {G4675} name {G3686}.

You, therefore, pray like this: `Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy.

So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

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

Commentary

Matthew 6:9 (KJV) introduces the opening lines of what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer or the Disciples’ Prayer. Jesus provides a foundational model for how His followers should approach God in prayer, emphasizing reverence and God's supreme position before addressing human needs.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically within His instructions on prayer. Before this, Jesus warns against hypocritical public prayer and vain repetitions (Matthew 6:5-8). He then offers this model, not as a rigid incantation, but as a template for the attitude and priorities of prayer.

Key Themes

  • Intimacy and Transcendence of God: The opening phrase, "Our Father which art in heaven," beautifully balances two crucial aspects of God. "Our Father" speaks to a personal, intimate relationship, inviting believers into a familial bond with the Creator. Yet, "which art in heaven" immediately reminds us of His transcendence, His sovereignty, and His holy dwelling place, distinguishing Him from earthly fathers and emphasizing His divine authority. This dual understanding shapes a respectful yet relational approach to prayer.
  • Reverence for God's Name: The petition "Hallowed be thy name" is the very first request in this model prayer. It signifies that the highest priority in prayer is the glorification and sanctification of God's character and reputation. To "hallow" God's name means to treat it as supremely holy, to revere His being, His attributes, and His authority. This isn't just about speaking His name respectfully, but living in a way that honors who He is (as seen in Ezekiel 36:23).
  • Prayer as a Model: Jesus begins with "After this manner therefore pray ye," indicating that this is a pattern to follow, rather than a specific set of words to be recited without understanding. It teaches believers to begin prayer with worship and adoration for God's person before moving to petitions for His kingdom or personal needs.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "hallowed" is hagiazō (ἁγιάζω), meaning to make holy, consecrate, or treat as sacred. It implies setting apart for God's use or purpose, and in this context, it is a prayer that God's name—His entire character and essence—would be recognized, honored, and glorified by all people and in all circumstances. The term "Father" (Greek patēr) emphasizes the unique and loving relationship believers can have with God through Christ, a concept further developed by Paul in Romans 8:15.

Practical Application

Matthew 6:9 calls believers to reorient their prayer lives. Instead of immediately listing personal requests, we are invited to begin with God Himself—His character, His holiness, and His sovereign position. This foundational truth encourages a worship-filled approach to prayer, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God. It encourages us to live lives that reflect His holiness, so that His name is hallowed not only by our words but also by our actions.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 11:1 (56 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

  • Luke 11:4 (56 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 4:11 (51 votes)

    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

  • Romans 8:15 (34 votes)

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • Ezekiel 36:23 (26 votes)

    And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

  • Malachi 1:11 (25 votes)

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Psalms 111:9 (25 votes)

    He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.