Matthew 6:6-9

6:6 But whenever you pray, go into your room, 1  close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. 2  6:7 When 3  you pray, do not babble repetitiously like the Gentiles, because they think that by their many words they will be heard. 6:8 Do 4  not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 6:9 So pray this way: 5 

Our Father 6  in heaven, may your name be honored, 7 

1 sn The term translated room refers to the inner room of a house, normally without any windows opening outside, the most private location possible (BDAG 988 s.v. ταμεῖον 2).

2 tc See the tc note on “will reward you” in 6:4: The problem is the same and the ms support differs only slightly.

3 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

4 tn Grk “So do not.” Here οὖν (oun) has not been translated.

5 sn Pray this way. What follows, although traditionally known as the Lord’s prayer, is really the disciples’ prayer. It represents how they are to approach God, by acknowledging his uniqueness and their need for his provision and protection.

6 sn God is addressed in terms of intimacy (Father). The original Semitic term here was probably Abba. The term is a little unusual in a personal prayer, especially as it lacks qualification. It is not the exact equivalent of “daddy” (as is sometimes popularly suggested), but it does suggest a close, familial relationship.

7 tn Grk “hallowed be your name.”