Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλθέτω
come
G2064
ἐλθέτω
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
γενηθήτω
be done
G1096
γενηθήτω
be done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημά
will
G2307
θέλημά
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
7 of 15
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
ὡς
G5613
ὡς
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 15
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
as
G2532
καὶ
as
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.Matthew 26:42He 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.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Romans 12:2And 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 6:40And 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.Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Ephesians 6:6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations focused on God's kingdom breaking into history to overthrow oppressors and establish justice. Jesus reframes this by emphasizing obedience to God's will as kingdom manifestation. The petition implicitly acknowledges current reality - God's kingdom is not yet fully realized on earth. This 'already/not yet' tension characterizes New Testament eschatology. Early Christians prayed 'Maranatha' ('Come, Lord') expressing similar longing for kingdom consummation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does praying for God's kingdom to come commit us to kingdom values and actions?
- What is the relationship between God's will being done and His kingdom arriving?
- In what practical ways can we align our lives with the reality of heaven on earth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prayer continues with two parallel petitions: 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven' (Greek: ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου, 'let your kingdom come'). These petitions are closely linked - God's kingdom arrives where His will is accomplished. 'Thy kingdom come' prays for God's rule to be fully established on earth. 'Thy will be done' (γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου) requests submission to divine purposes. The phrase 'as in heaven, so on earth' presents heaven's perfect obedience as the model for earthly conformity. This petition commits the pray-er to kingdom values and alignment with God's purposes.