Matthew Chapter 6 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 27
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 #: 2 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰσενέγκῃς lead G1533
εἰσενέγκῃς lead
Strong's: G1533
Word #: 3 of 27
to carry inward (literally or figuratively)
ἡμᾶς us G2248
ἡμᾶς us
Strong's: G2248
Word #: 4 of 27
us
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 5 of 27
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 #: 6 of 27
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 #: 7 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ῥῦσαι deliver G4506
ῥῦσαι deliver
Strong's: G4506
Word #: 8 of 27
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἡμᾶς us G2248
ἡμᾶς us
Strong's: G2248
Word #: 9 of 27
us
ἀπὸ from G575
ἀπὸ from
Strong's: G575
Word #: 10 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηροῦ evil G4190
πονηροῦ evil
Strong's: G4190
Word #: 12 of 27
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ὅτι For G3754
ὅτι For
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 13 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
σοῦ thine G4675
σοῦ thine
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 14 of 27
of thee, thy
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 15 of 27
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία the kingdom G932
βασιλεία the kingdom
Strong's: G932
Word #: 17 of 27
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 18 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμις the power G1411
δύναμις the power
Strong's: G1411
Word #: 20 of 27
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 21 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα the glory G1391
δόξα the glory
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 23 of 27
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 24 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦς G3588
τοῦς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 25 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνας ever G165
αἰῶνας ever
Strong's: G165
Word #: 26 of 27
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ἀμήν Amen G281
ἀμήν Amen
Strong's: G281
Word #: 27 of 27
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

Analysis & Commentary

The prayer concludes with two petitions: 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil' (Greek: μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, 'do not bring us into testing'). The first petition seems problematic since James 1:13 states God doesn't tempt anyone. Better understood as 'do not allow us to enter into testing' or 'lead us away from temptation.' This acknowledges human weakness and need for divine protection from situations exceeding our spiritual strength. 'Deliver us from evil' (ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ) could mean 'from evil' generally or 'from the evil one' (Satan) specifically. Both interpretations are valid - rescue from sin's power and Satan's schemes.

Historical Context

Jewish prayers often included petitions for protection from sin and evil. The Kaddish prayer similarly focuses on God's name being sanctified and His kingdom coming. Early manuscripts vary on the concluding doxology ('For thine is the kingdom...'), which appears to be liturgical addition reflecting early Christian worship practices. Testing/temptation (πειρασμός) in Jewish thought could refer both to trials proving faithfulness and enticements to sin. The prayer acknowledges both dimensions.

Questions for Reflection