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.

MATTHEW 6:13KJV
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Matthew 6:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:13 mean?

Matthew 6:13 is a prayer asking God not to let us be led into situations where we might be tempted to do wrong, but instead to rescue us from evil. The verse ends by recognizing that God alone has ultimate authority, strength, and honor forever.

In this verse, Jesus is teaching his followers how to pray during the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages them to depend on God for protection from both temptation and evil. The closing words, often called a doxology, are a declaration of God’s eternal rule and greatness, reminding listeners that everything belongs to God.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:13

  • πειρασμός (peirasmos, G3986): This word is often understood as "temptation," but it can also mean a "test" or "trial." Here, it suggests asking God to keep us from situations that could lead us to fail morally or spiritually.
  • ῥύομαι (rhuomai, G4506): Translated as "deliver," this word carries the sense of being rescued or snatched away from danger. It emphasizes the need for God’s active help in escaping evil.
  • πονηρός (ponēros, G4190): This is the word for "evil." It can refer to evil in general or, in some readings, to "the evil one," meaning a personal force of evil. The prayer covers both possibilities—evil circumstances and evil beings.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, G932), δύναμις (dynamis, G1411), δόξα (doxa, G1391): These words mean "kingdom," "power," and "glory." They highlight God’s supreme authority, strength, and honor, which are affirmed at the end of the prayer.

Why Matthew 6:13 matters

  • Matthew 6:13 clarifies that asking for help with temptation is not a sign of weakness but a normal part of prayer, showing dependence on God rather than self-reliance.
  • The verse connects the struggle against temptation and evil directly to God’s power, reminding readers that victory over evil is not achieved by human effort alone.
  • The doxology at the end ties the prayer to God’s eternal nature and rule, placing every request in the context of God’s unending authority and care.

Where else these words appear

“lead” Greek G1533 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 5:18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
  • Luke 11:4 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.
  • 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 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
  • 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 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
  • 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:

“evil” Greek G4190 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.