Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Original Language Analysis
Προσευχόμενοι
when ye pray
G4336
Προσευχόμενοι
when ye pray
Strong's:
G4336
Word #:
1 of 15
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
βαττολογήσητε,
use
G945
βαττολογήσητε,
use
Strong's:
G945
Word #:
4 of 15
to stutter, i.e., (by implication) to prate tediously
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνικοί
the heathen
G1482
ἐθνικοί
the heathen
Strong's:
G1482
Word #:
7 of 15
national ("ethnic"), i.e., (specially) a gentile
δοκοῦσιν
they think
G1380
δοκοῦσιν
they think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
8 of 15
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
γὰρ
do for
G1063
γὰρ
do for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.Matthew 26:44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.Acts 19:34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.Matthew 6:32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.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.Matthew 18:17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Historical Context
Pagan prayers in the Greco-Roman world often involved repetitive formulas, magical names, and lengthy invocations attempting to gain gods' attention through sheer volume. Some Jewish traditions also developed elaborate, lengthy prayers. Jesus condemns empty verbosity while affirming persistent, heartfelt prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How can you distinguish between wrong 'vain repetitions' and right persistent prayer or liturgical forms?
- What does this warning teach about viewing prayer as relationship with a personal Father versus mechanical religious ritual?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The warning against 'vain repetitions' (Greek 'battalogeo'—meaningless babbling) condemns mindless, mechanical prayer that multiplies words without heart engagement. The comparison to heathens who think 'they shall be heard for their much speaking' references pagan practices of repetitive incantations designed to manipulate deities. True prayer is personal communion with the Father who knows our needs, not magical formulas to coerce divine action. Quality of relationship matters infinitely more than quantity of words.