Luke 11:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοὶ
G846
αὐτοὶ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὀφείλοντι
that is indebted
G3784
ὀφείλοντι
that is indebted
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
12 of 25
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πειρασμόν
temptation
G3986
πειρασμόν
temptation
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
19 of 25
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ῥῦσαι
deliver
G4506
ῥῦσαι
deliver
Strong's:
G4506
Word #:
21 of 25
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
23 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Colossians 3:13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Matthew 18:35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.Daniel 9:19O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.Psalms 25:18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.John 17:15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.Luke 22:46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Historical Context
Debt and forgiveness language pervaded first-century economic and social relations. 'Sins' (Greek 'hamartias,' ἁμαρτίας) and 'debts' (Matthew 6:12) were used interchangeably—sin is debt owed to God, which we cannot pay. God's forgiveness cancels infinite debt. The connection between receiving and giving forgiveness appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Matthew 6:14-15, 18:21-35). Unforgiveness in believers reveals they haven't grasped how much they've been forgiven. The early church emphasized reconciliation and forgiveness as marks of authentic Christianity. Forgiving others demonstrates we've experienced God's forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the connection between receiving and giving forgiveness reveal the nature of genuine Christian character?
- What does praying 'forgive us our sins' daily teach about ongoing need for grace even after conversion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus teaches: 'And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.' This petition acknowledges ongoing need for forgiveness—even believers sin daily, requiring daily forgiveness. The phrase 'for we also forgive' isn't earning forgiveness through forgiving others but demonstrating that forgiven people forgive. The Greek 'gar' (γάρ, for) indicates explanation, not condition—we forgive because we're forgiven. 'Every one that is indebted to us' (Greek 'panti opheilonti hēmin,' παντὶ ὀφείλοντι ἡμῖν) means everyone owing us anything—injuries, offenses, debts. Forgiveness received produces forgiveness given.