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Matthew 6:7

Prayer

5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

6 But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.

8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
KJV
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
WEB
In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
ASV
And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
DARBY
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as those who are of the nations: for they think they shall be heard through their much speaking.
BLB
And praying, do not use vain repetitions like the Gentiles, for they think that in their many words they will be heard.
ÅB
«Og når dere ber, ikke rams opp tomme ord slik hedningene gjør; for de tror at de blir bønnhørt når de bruker mange ord.
OTB
Og når du ber, skal du ikke bruke tankeløs gjentakelse som hedningene, for de tror de vil bli hørt på grunn av sine mange ord.
B1930
Og når I beder, skal I ikke ramse op mange ord som hedningene; for de tror at de blir bønnhørt når de bruker mange ord.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Ecclesiastes 5:2–3

    Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

    Read in context

  • Ecclesiastes 5:7

    For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

    Read in context

  • 1 Kings 18:26–29

    And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 6:32

    For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

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  • Matthew 26:44

    So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.

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  • Daniel 9:18–19

    Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 26:42

    A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”

    Read in context

  • Acts 19:34

    But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    Read in context