Give us this day our daily bread.
What does Matthew 6:11 mean?
Christ saw it needful to show his disciples what must commonly be the matter and method of their prayer. Not that we are tied up to the use of this only, or of this always; yet, without doubt, it is very good to use it.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Matthew 6:11-15 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 6:11
- The word "bread," here, denotes doubtless everything necessary to sustain life. See the notes at Matthew 4:4 . Compare Deuteronomy 8:3 . This petition implies our dependence on God for the supply of our wants. As we are dependent on him one day as much as another, it was evidently the intention of the Saviour that prayer should be offered every day. The petition, moreover, is expressed in the plural number - give us - and it is evidently therefore, intended to be used by more than one, or by some community of people. No community or congregation can meet every day for worship but families.
Key words
- our bread for tomorrow
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our bread for tomorrow.'' "Says R.
- daily
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daily. All kind of food, everything that is eatable, is with the Jews called "bread" (x). (u) T. Bab.
- our bread for tomorrow
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our bread for tomorrow.'' "Says R.
- daily
-
daily. All kind of food, everything that is eatable, is with the Jews called "bread" (x). (u) T. Bab.
Context in Matthew 6
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Matthew 6 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as birth and preparation. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on asking, persistence, confession, dependence, and the way prayer shapes Christian life and attention.