Luke 11:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:2 mean?

Luke 11:2 records Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them a model prayer that begins by addressing God as “Our Father which art in heaven,” honoring God’s name, and expressing a desire for God’s kingdom and will to be realized on earth as they are in heaven. This verse sets the tone for prayer as both respectful and focused on God’s purposes.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples after they ask him to teach them how to pray. The prayer he gives is often called the Lord’s Prayer, and in this verse, Jesus emphasizes a close relationship with God (“Father”), reverence for God’s name, and a longing for God’s rule and intentions to shape life on earth just as they do in heaven.

The Greek behind Luke 11:2

• “Father” (πατήρ, patēr): This word highlights a personal, family-like relationship with God, which was a distinctive way for Jesus to teach his followers to address God.
• “Hallowed be” (ἁγιασθήτω, hagiasthetō): This is a request that God’s name be treated as holy or set apart, not just a statement but a desire for God to be honored by all.
• “Kingdom” (βασιλεία, basileia): The Greek word means both a realm and the active rule of a king; here, it points to God’s reign being established more fully in the world.
• “Will” (θέλημα, thelēma): This word refers to God’s purpose or desire, with the prayer expressing a longing for God’s intentions to be carried out on earth as they are in heaven.

Why Luke 11:2 matters

• Luke 11:2 clarifies that prayer is not just about personal requests but about aligning with God’s character, honor, and plans.
• The verse shows that Jesus encouraged his followers to approach God with both intimacy (“Father”) and reverence (“hallowed be thy name”).
• This model prayer connects the life of the believer to God’s larger work in the world, emphasizing that God’s kingdom and will are central, not just individual needs.