What does Matthew 6:11 mean?

Explanation

"Give us this day our daily bread" is a request found in the Christian prayer known as the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus taught to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew.

This verse reflects a petition to God for provision of basic needs.

The word "daily" signifies the continual dependence on God's provision. On a literal level, "bread" refers to the food required for physical sustenance. On a deeper level, "bread" can also symbolize spiritual nourishment and God's provisions beyond the mere physical needs.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is a collection of teachings and sayings of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7).

This sermon is considered one of the most important teachings of Jesus and addresses a wide range of topics including morality, the law, and prayer.

In Jewish culture, bread was a staple of one's daily diet, making the request for bread a profoundly relatable request for life's necessities.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects the reliance of humans on the divine for sustenance.

It emphasizes the trust in God to provide for our needs.

Different theological views may interpret this to mean trust in God for physical sustenance, while others may also include spiritual sustenance – such as the word of God, or Christ himself, who is often referred to as the "Bread of Life" in the Christian faith.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this prayer serves as a humble acknowledgment that all provisions come from God.

It teaches individuals to live with the understanding that one should not worry excessively about material needs but instead trust in God's provision.

The request for "this day" suggests a focus on present needs rather than anxious accumulation for the future.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:31-33: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [...] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
• John 6:35: "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

Language Study

The original Greek term for "daily" used here is "epiousios," which is a unique word in the New Testament and difficult to translate accurately.

Some scholars interpret it to mean "for the coming day," others as "necessary for existence." The word for "bread" is "arton," which typically refers to leavened wheat bread, a basic dietary item in that era, symbolizing more broadly any food or necessary provision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, bread was regarded as a fundamental part of the daily diet, and its symbolism spans across various religious and mythological traditions.

For example, in ancient Egypt, bread was associated with Osiris, the god of fertility and agriculture.

In some religious traditions, bread represents life or sustenance provided by the deities.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the request for daily bread can be seen as an understanding of the human need for regular nutrient intake.

While the verse does not explicitly engage with scientific details, it does align with the basic biological reality that humans require consistent nourishment to sustain life.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often underscore the simplicity and profound trust embodied in the request. Matthew Henry's commentary interprets it as a recognition of our day-to-day dependence on God's provision.

Additionally, many theologians see it as reflecting an attitude of contentment with receiving what is necessary rather than excess. Through this lens, it is often perceived as an antidote to the greed and anxiety that can be associated with concerns over material needs.