Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 6:14

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." — Matthew 6:14 (ASV)

These verses reinforce the thought of the fifth petition (see comment on v.12). The repetition serves to stress the deep importance for the community of disciples to be a forgiving community if its prayers are to be effective (cf. Psalms 66:18).