Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Original Language Analysis
οὕτως
After this manner
G3779
οὕτως
After this manner
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
1 of 14
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Πάτερ
Father
G3962
Πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 14
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
10 of 14
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἁγιασθήτω
Hallowed be
G37
ἁγιασθήτω
Hallowed be
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
11 of 14
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Romans 8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.Ezekiel 36:23And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.Psalms 111:9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Revelation 5:12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Historical Context
Jewish prayer typically began with extended praise (Kaddish prayer shares structure with Lord's Prayer). Addressing God as 'Father' was relatively rare in Second Temple Judaism, though not unprecedented (Isaiah 63:16). Jesus' habitual use of 'Abba' shocked contemporaries with its intimacy. The petition for God's name to be hallowed echoes Ezekiel 36:23 where God acts to vindicate His profaned name among nations. Early Christians prayed this prayer three times daily.
Questions for Reflection
- How does addressing God as 'our Father' shape our understanding of prayer as corporate, not merely individual?
- What does it mean to hallow God's name in practical, daily living?
- How does beginning with God's glory reorder our prayer priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins the Lord's Prayer with 'Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name' (Greek: Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, 'Our Father in the heavens'). The address 'Our Father' (not 'my') emphasizes corporate relationship - prayer is communal. 'Father' (Πάτερ/Abba) expresses intimacy yet 'in heaven' maintains transcendence; God is both near and exalted. 'Hallowed be thy name' (ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου) is passive voice - may Your name be sanctified/treated as holy. This first petition prioritizes God's glory before any human requests. The 'name' represents God's full character and reputation.