Matthew 6:8
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁμοιωθῆτε
Be
G3666
ὁμοιωθῆτε
Be
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
3 of 17
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
οἶδεν
knoweth
G1492
οἶδεν
knoweth
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
Father
G3962
πατὴρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
8 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὧν
what things
G3739
ὧν
what things
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
χρείαν
need of
G5532
χρείαν
need of
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
11 of 17
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
13 of 17
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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.Luke 12:30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Psalms 38:9Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
Historical Context
This verse contrasts the biblical God who is personally attentive to His children with pagan deities who required information and persuasion. The covenant name 'your Father' emphasizes intimate relationship, not impersonal deity needing to be informed or manipulated.
Questions for Reflection
- If God already knows your needs, why is prayer still necessary and valuable?
- How does understanding God as 'your Father' rather than distant deity transform the nature and motivation of prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The assurance that 'your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him' raises the question: why pray if God already knows? The answer is that prayer's purpose is not informing God but communing with Him, aligning our wills with His, expressing dependence, and receiving what He delights to give. God's foreknowledge doesn't make prayer unnecessary but rather guarantees its effectiveness—we pray to a Father who knows and cares about our needs.