And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

LUKE 11:4KJV
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Luke 11:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:4 mean?

Luke 11:4 is part of Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray, asking God to forgive their sins as they forgive others, and to protect them from temptation and evil. The verse highlights both a request for mercy and a commitment to extend mercy to others, as well as a plea for guidance and deliverance from harm.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they ask him how to pray. The prayer he gives is simple and direct, focusing on daily needs, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. The verse connects the forgiveness we ask from God with the forgiveness we offer to people who have wronged us, and it ends with a request for God to keep us away from situations where we might fall into sin or be harmed by evil.

The Greek behind Luke 11:4

  • The word for "forgive" is ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), which means to release or let go, often used for canceling debts or pardoning offenses. Here, it emphasizes letting go of what others owe us, just as we ask God to let go of our wrongs.
  • The word for "indebted" is ὀφείλοντι (opheilonti), which literally means someone who owes a debt. In this context, it refers to people who have wronged us or are "in debt" to us in some way, connecting personal forgiveness to the idea of canceling a debt.
  • The word for "temptation" is πειρασμός (peirasmos), which can mean a test, trial, or temptation. The prayer is not just about avoiding sin, but also asking not to be put in situations of testing or difficulty that could lead to failure.
  • The word for "evil" is πονηροῦ (ponērou), which can mean evil in a general sense or refer to the evil one (like Satan). The request is for deliverance from harm, danger, or the influence of evil.

Why Luke 11:4 matters

  • Luke 11:4 clarifies that forgiveness from God is closely linked to our willingness to forgive others, making forgiveness a two-way relationship rather than just a personal request.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ model prayer is not just about personal needs but also about relationships with others and spiritual well-being.
  • This verse connects to the larger context of Jesus teaching about prayer, showing that prayer is both about dependence on God and about shaping how we treat other people.

Where else these words appear

“lead” Greek G1533 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

“deliver” Greek G4506 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

“temptation” Greek G3986 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
  • Hebrews 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

“indebted” Greek G3784 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.