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Matthew 6 · a question people ask

Jesus says, "don’t use vain repetitions" (6:7). What does he mean?

In the text

Jesus gives his reason in the same verse: "In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking" (6:7) (tap repetitions). Then: "Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him" (6:8). Then he gives words to pray: "Pray like this" (6:9). Matthew says no more about it than these verses, and these notes don't make a rule from them.

The verses

“In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.”
Matthew 6:7-9 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 6

Matthew 6: In secret

Jesus says the same thing three times, of giving, praying and fasting: the hypocrites "have received their reward" (6:2, 6:5, 6:16), but "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (6:4, 6:6). The prayer he gives comes between the second and the third (6:9-13). And his words on prayer and on being anxious give the same reason: your Father knows what you need (6:8, 6:32).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions