and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The crucial word "for" ("kai gar" in the original Greek) in this verse doesn't mean our forgiveness earns God's, but rather that our willingness to forgive others removes a critical roadblock to receiving His mercy. It's not about merit, but about aligning our hearts with God's, ensuring we aren't blocking His grace from reaching us.
and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, prompting Jesus to share a model prayer. This prayer starts with addressing God as Father and includes petitions for His name, kingdom, and will, followed by requests for daily needs and forgiveness. It then moves into asking for protection from temptation and deliverance from evil, emphasizing our dependence on God.
Why does Jesus link our request for God's forgiveness to our forgiving others?
This part of the Lord's Prayer isn't just a wish list; it's a blueprint for how our relationship with God works.
Why pray not to be led into temptation when God doesn't tempt us?
This petition is a powerful acknowledgment of our deep need for God's constant guidance and protection.
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Understand the original words
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
An act of releasing or canceling a debt, moral failure, or offense; in a biblical context, it is the gracious removal of the guilt and penalty of transgression.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Missing the mark or breaking the law of God; it refers to any thought, word, or action that violates God’s standard of holiness and separates humans from Him.
peirasmos · Greek Noun
An external trial, enticement to evil, or a test of faith; it is a situation or influence that seeks to persuade a person to depart from God’s will.
This passage is the parallel account of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew, directly linking the concept of forgiving sins to forgiving those who have wronged us.
Mark 11:25This verse explicitly states the reciprocal nature of forgiveness: 'And when you stand to pray, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive your transgressions.'
James 1:13-15This passage addresses the nature of temptation, clarifying that God does not tempt us, but rather our own desires draw us away, highlighting the need to pray for God's help against internal sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse offers assurance and a way of escape when tempted, stating that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability, reinforcing the plea in Luke to not be led into temptation beyond our strength.
Ephesians 4:32This verse directly echoes the sentiment by urging believers to 'be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving of one another, as God in Christ forgave you,' underscoring the connection between divine and human forgiveness.
wesleyLuke 11:4: "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
11:4 Forgive us; for we forgive them - Not once, but continually. This does not denote the meritorious cause of our pardon; but the removal of that hinderance which otherwise would render it impossible.
calvinLuke 11:1-4: "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
- Pray ye therefore thus: Our Father who art in heaven, may thy name be sanctified. 10. May thy kingdom come. May thy will be done, as in heaven, so also in the earth. 11. Give us to-day our daily bread. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13. And lead us not into temptation, but…
The crucial word "for" ("kai gar" in the original Greek) in this verse doesn't mean our forgiveness earns God's, but rather that our willingness to forgive others removes a critical roadblock to receiving His mercy. It's not about merit, but about aligning our hearts with God's, ensuring we aren't blocking His grace from reaching us.
A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, prompting Jesus to share a model prayer. This prayer starts with addressing God as Father and includes petitions for His name, kingdom, and will, followed by requests for daily needs and forgiveness. It then moves into asking for protection from temptation and deliverance from evil, emphasizing our dependence on God.
A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, prompting Jesus to share a model prayer. This prayer starts with addressing God as Father and includes petitions for His name, kingdom, and will, followed by requests for daily needs and forgiveness. It then moves into asking for protection from temptation and deliverance from evil, emphasizing our dependence on God.
"and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”" — The crucial word "for" ("kai gar" in the original Greek) in this verse doesn't mean our forgiveness earns God's, but rather that our willingness to forgive others removes a critical roadblock to re…
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Last reviewed October 2026