Matthew 6:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

NIV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’

NASB: And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ’

CSB: And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

NLT: And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

This verse concludes Matthew's telling of Jesus' model prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). Though this is often referred to as the "Lord's Prayer," this passage is not something Jesus Himself prayed (Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 6:12). This is a pattern meant to be used by His disciples and followers. His intent is not that we always repeat those exact words, but that we apply those lessons in our prayers.

This is the third request for the wellbeing of the one who is praying. The Greek word peirasmon is translated as "temptation" here, and is the same term used of Jesus' experience with Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). This can refer to being enticed towards sin, or to being tested in a trial. In either case, the phrase is better understood as "lead us away from temptation or testing." James 1:13 makes it clear that God never entices anyone to sin. God obviously has the power, though, to lead His people away from tempting circumstances, including temptation to sin that might come from enduring hard circumstances. We should ask God to do that for us, knowing that even when we're tempted, He always provides us a means to avoid sin (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Eventually, though, temptations usually come. God may choose to allow hard circumstances. In that case, Jesus adds a balance to this request, "but deliver us from evil." This phrase could mean, "deliver us from the temptations of the evil one." Matthew has described Jesus' temptations from the evil one, the devil, in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture and finally sending the devil away. He now instructs His followers to ask God the Father for deliverance from the temptations of the evil one, as well.

Matthew 6:7–16 follows Jesus' instruction about praying behind closed doors; He now teaches how to pray. Christ denounces the use of mindless repetition or meaningless jargon. God doesn't need filler words, and He doesn't need us to repeat ourselves in order to be heard. Jesus then models a simple, authentic prayer, now famously referred to as the Lord's Prayer. It is addressed to God the Father and begins by declaring His holiness and asking for His will to be accomplished on earth. This model prayer also makes personal requests for daily food, forgiveness of sin, and deliverance from temptation and evil. Jesus then underscores part of that prayer by saying those who want God's forgiveness must forgive others.

The Sermon on the Mount continues in chapter 6, which is entirely composed of the words of Christ. Jesus teaches that God rewards deeds motivated by sincere devotion to Him, not by approval from other people. He teaches a simple and authentic model prayer. Christ warns against stockpiling money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should make choices that store up treasure in heaven. A person's top priority can either be God, or money, but cannot be both. Along with that, Jesus says believers should fight against anxiety about daily needs. The heavenly Father knows what we need. All we need to do is pursue His kingdom and righteousness; He will take care of our needs, one day at a time.

Chapter 5 began Matthew's telling of the Sermon on the Mount. In that passage, Jesus pointed out that thoughts and attitudes are part of righteousness, just as much as actions. In Chapter 6, He explains how good deeds are only righteous when done out of sincere devotion to God, rather than for other people's approval. He also provides a model for prayer. Jesus explains how excessive worry, such as over money, interferes with faith in God. Knowing that God loves us should lead believers to trust Him, not to be anxious. Chapter 6 is one of the few chapters of the New Testament entirely composed of the words of Christ. In chapter 7 Jesus will introduce additional themes such as appropriate judgment, trust in God, and treatment of others.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.