Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

MATTHEW 6:8KJV
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Matthew 6:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:8 mean?

Matthew 6:8 tells readers not to imitate those who use many words in prayer, because God the Father already knows what they need before they ask. The verse emphasizes that God’s awareness of people’s needs is complete, so lengthy or repetitive prayers are unnecessary.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them about prayer. He contrasts their approach to prayer with that of others who think they will be heard because of their many words. The main point is that God is attentive and caring, so prayer does not need to convince or inform Him.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:8

  • The word "knoweth" (οἶδεν, transliteration: oiden) means to know fully or to be aware. Here, it highlights that God already has complete knowledge of people’s needs, so prayer is not about informing God.
  • The phrase "before ye ask" (πρὸ τοῦ ὑμᾶς αἰτῆσαι αὐτόν, transliteration: pro tou hymas aitesai auton) stresses that God’s knowledge comes before any request is made, underlining His attentiveness and care.
  • The word "like" (ὁμοιωθῆτε, transliteration: homoiōthēte) means to become like or resemble. Jesus is urging his listeners not to follow the example of those who pray with empty repetition.

Why Matthew 6:8 matters

  • Matthew 6:8 corrects the idea that prayer is about persuading God or using many words to get His attention; instead, it shows that God already knows and cares.
  • This verse connects to the broader teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about sincere and humble devotion, rather than outward displays.
  • It reassures readers that God’s relationship with them is personal and attentive, making prayer an act of trust rather than performance.

Where else these words appear

“Be” Greek G3666 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
  • Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

“of” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;