Matthew 6:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 6:11
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Chapter Context
Matthew 6 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, discipleship, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 6:11
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Analysis
The prayer shifts from God-centered to human-need petitions: 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Greek: τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον, 'our bread, the daily'). The word ἐπιούσιον (epiousios) is rare, possibly meaning 'daily,' 'necessary for existence,' or 'for the coming day.' This petition acknowledges complete dependence on God's provision, echoing manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) which was gathered daily. 'This day' emphasizes present trust rather than anxious accumulation. 'Bread' represents all physical necessities, not luxury. This simple request teaches humble dependence and gratitude for basic provision.
Historical Context
In agrarian first-century Palestine, daily bread was literal concern for most people living subsistence-level existence. Crop failures, Roman taxation, and economic exploitation made food security precarious. Day laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) literally depended on daily wages for daily bread. Jesus' teaching against anxiety (6:25-34) follows this prayer, reinforcing trust in daily provision. Early Christians practiced communal sharing (Acts 2:44-45), living out this prayer's economics of sufficiency rather than surplus.
Reflection
- How does praying for daily bread challenge our culture's emphasis on accumulation and self-sufficiency?
- What does this petition teach about appropriate versus anxious concern for physical needs?
- In what ways does dependence on God for daily provision foster gratitude and trust?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 4:4, Job 23:12, Psalms 34:10, Proverbs 30:8, Isaiah 33:16, Luke 11:3