Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσιον
daily
G1967
ἐπιούσιον
daily
Strong's:
G1967
Word #:
5 of 10
tomorrow's; but more probably from g1909 and a derivative of the present participle feminine of g1510; for subsistence, i.e., needful
δίδου
Give
G1325
δίδου
Give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 10
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 6:11Give us this day our daily bread.Matthew 6:34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.Proverbs 30:8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:Isaiah 33:16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Historical Context
Bread was the staple food of ancient Palestine, representing sustenance itself. The daily wage of a laborer (one denarius) typically purchased enough bread for a family's daily needs. Jesus's original audience, largely poor peasants and fishermen, understood precarious daily provision intimately.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you hoarding resources rather than trusting God's daily provision?
- How does praying for 'daily bread' challenge consumer culture's emphasis on accumulation and security?
- What spiritual 'bread' (God's Word, communion with Christ) are you seeking daily alongside physical provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Give us day by day our daily bread (τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δίδου ἡμῖν τὸ καθ' ἡμέραν, ton arton hēmōn ton epiousion didou hēmin to kath' hēmeran)—The petition for arton epiousion (daily bread) centers on present dependence, not hoarding for the future. The rare Greek adjective epiousion may mean 'necessary for existence' or 'for the coming day,' emphasizing trust in God's timely provision.
Luke's phrase day by day (τὸ καθ' ἡμέραν) intensifies the emphasis on daily dependence found in Matthew's 'this day.' This echoes Israel's manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16)—each day's provision sufficient, no storing permitted except Sabbath eve. The prayer trains believers to reject anxiety about tomorrow (Luke 12:22-34) and trust the Father's knowledge of our needs. Arton (bread) encompasses all physical necessities, not luxury.