Matthew 6:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:9 mean?

Matthew 6:9 is where Jesus teaches his followers how to pray, beginning with an address to God as "Our Father which art in heaven," and expressing reverence for God's name by saying, "Hallowed be thy name." This verse sets the tone for prayer as both personal and respectful, recognizing God's closeness and holiness.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, giving them a model for prayer. By calling God "Our Father," Jesus invites his listeners to approach God with both intimacy and respect. The phrase "Hallowed be thy name" means to treat God's name as holy, showing that prayer starts with honoring who God is before asking for anything.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:9

• "Father" (πατήρ, patēr) highlights a close, family relationship, suggesting that prayer is meant to be personal and trusting, not distant or formal.
• "Hallowed be" (ἁγιασθήτω, hagiasthētō) is a verb meaning "let it be made holy" or "let it be regarded as holy." This shows that the prayer begins with a desire for God's name to be honored and set apart as sacred.
• "Name" (ὄνομα, onoma) in this context refers to God's character and reputation, not just a label. Honoring God's name means respecting all that God is.

Why Matthew 6:9 matters

• Matthew 6:9 corrects the idea that prayer is just about asking for things; it starts with recognizing God's greatness and holiness.
• The verse connects believers to God as a loving Father, which was a new and intimate way to address God compared to many formal prayers of the time.
• This opening line shapes the rest of the Lord's Prayer, showing that all requests and concerns come after honoring God’s character and position.