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Verse Takeaways
1
"Debts" Are Sins
Commentators unanimously explain that "debts" is a figurative term for our sins against God. As one scholar notes, Luke's version of this prayer uses the word "sins" directly. We have violated God's law and are liable for judgment, a debt only God can forgive. This isn't about financial transactions but about moral and spiritual offenses.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 6:12
18th Century
Theologian
And forgive us our debts. The word debts is used figuratively here. It does not mean literally that we are debtors t…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 6:12
Our debts (τα οφειληματα ημων). Luke (Luke 11:4) has "sins" (αμαρτιας). In the ancient Greek οφειλημα is common for ac…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 6:12
19th Century
Preacher
No prayer of mortal men could be complete without confession of sin. Prayer that does not seek pardon will fail, as the Pharisee’s prayer did. Let …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 6:12
In addition to physical provisions, we also need forgiveness of sin and deliverance from temptation. The word “debt” (GK 4052) means “sin” or “tran…
John Calvin
On Matthew 6:12
16th Century
Theologian
And forgive us our debts. Here it may be proper for us to be reminded of what I said a little earlier: that Christ, in arranging the praye…
John Gill
On Matthew 6:12
17th Century
Pastor
And forgive us our debts
Nothing is more frequent in the Jewish writings than to call sins (ybw…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 6:9–15
17th Century
Minister
Christ saw it necessary to show His disciples what must commonly be the subject and method of their prayer. Not that we are restricted to the use o…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 6:9–15
13th Century
Philosopher
Therefore, this is how you shall pray. Above, the Lord taught the manner of praying: namely, that we avoid both the vanit…