Matthew 6:13 Usage in Various Christian Denominations
Matthew 6:13, a verse from the Lord's Prayer, reads in the Geneva Bible, "And leade vs not into tentation, but deliuer vs from euill: for thine is the kingdome, and the power, and the glorie for euer. Amen" [1]. This verse concludes the petitionary section of the prayer, moving from requests concerning God's name and kingdom to personal needs and spiritual protection.
The broader context of Matthew 6 is Jesus' teaching on righteousness, specifically contrasting genuine piety with hypocritical displays. Chapters 5-7 constitute the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the ethical and spiritual demands of the kingdom of heaven. Within this sermon, Jesus provides instructions on almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, emphasizing sincerity over outward show. The Lord's Prayer itself is presented as a model for how disciples should pray, avoiding the "empty phrases" of the Gentiles (Matthew 6:7).
The phrase "leade vs not into tentation" (or "lead us not into temptation") has been a point of theological discussion. It does not imply that God actively tempts individuals to sin, as James 1:13 states that God tempts no one. Rather, it is understood as a plea for God to prevent believers from entering into situations where they might be overcome by temptation, or to sustain them when they face such trials [1]. The subsequent clause, "but deliuer vs from euill," complements this request, asking for rescue from the power and influence of evil, which can refer to evil in a general sense or specifically to the Evil One, Satan [1].
The doxology, "for thine is the kingdome, and the power, and the glorie for euer. Amen," is present in some ancient manuscripts and translations, such as the Geneva Bible [1]. However, it is absent from other early and influential manuscripts, leading many modern translations to either omit it or include it in a footnote. This textual variant represents a significant exegetical decision for translators and commentators. When included, the doxology serves to affirm God's sovereignty and power as the basis for the petitions offered in the prayer.
Cross-references in biblical scholarship connect Matthew 6:13 to various other passages. For instance, the concept of God's deliverance from evil or temptation is echoed in Ephesians 3:16, which speaks of being strengthened with power through the Spirit [3]. The broader theme of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, is also linked to passages like Isaiah 26:9 [2].
The phrase "lead us not into temptation" is not to be confused with other biblical references to "13" in different contexts. For example, Romans 6:13 discusses presenting oneself to God as instruments of righteousness, with numerous cross-references to themes of sin, righteousness, and dedication to God [4]. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:13 addresses the body's purpose in relation to the Lord, contrasting it with sexual immorality [5]. Galatians 6:13 deals with those who boast in the flesh rather than the cross [6], and 2 Corinthians 6:13 speaks of opening one's heart to others [7]. These illustrate that while the number "13" appears in various biblical citations, their thematic content is distinct from Matthew 6:13.
The Lord's Prayer, including Matthew 6:13, functions centrally in Christian liturgy and personal devotion across numerous denominations. Its petitions encapsulate fundamental aspects of Christian faith and discipleship, guiding believers in their approach to God and their understanding of spiritual warfare. The prayer's emphasis on God's sovereignty and the need for divine protection against evil remains a core element of Christian teaching and practice.
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 6:13 (Geneva1599) — And leade vs not into tentation, but deliuer vs from euill: for thine is the kingdome, and the power, and the glorie for euer. Amen.”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Isa.26.9 → Matt.6.33 (confidence: 13 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Eph.3.16 → Matt.6.13 (confidence: 15 votes)”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Romans 6:13 cross-references: Deuteronomy 25:16, 2 Chronicles 30:8, Psalms 37:30, Proverbs 12:18, Isaiah 3:10, Isaiah 55:7, Ezekiel 18:4, Daniel 3:28, Luke 15:24, Luke 15:32, John 5:24, Romans 1:29, Romans 2:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:19, Romans 7:5, Romans 7:23, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 6:15, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 2 Corinthians 8:5, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 5:14, Philippians 1:20, Colossians 2:13, Colossians 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:12, James 3:5, James 4:1, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 4:2, 2 Peter 2:13, 1 John 1:9”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 6:13 (YLT) — the meats <FI>are<Fi> for the belly, and the belly for the meats. And God both this and these shall make useless; and the body <FI>is<Fi> not for whoredom, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body;”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Galatians 6:13 cross-references: Matthew 23:3, Matthew 23:15, Matthew 23:23, Luke 5:38, Romans 2:17, Romans 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 5:6, 2 Corinthians 11:18, Philippians 3:3, 2 Peter 2:19”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 6:13 cross-references: 2 Kings 13:14, Psalms 81:10, Matthew 9:28, Matthew 17:19, Mark 6:4, Mark 11:24, 1 Corinthians 4:14, Galatians 4:12, Galatians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:11, Hebrews 12:5, James 1:6, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 5:14, 3 John 1:4”