Matthew 6:11 - Give us today our daily bread.

Generated Verse: Matthew 6:11

What does "Matthew 6:11" mean?


The verse "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11) is part of the Lord's Prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples. It's a deceptively simple phrase with layers of meaning, encompassing both literal and figurative interpretations:

1. Literal Interpretation: Basic Sustenance and Material Needs

"Give us": This acknowledges that everything we have comes from God's provision. It emphasizes our dependence on Him.
"Today": Focuses on the present moment. It encourages us not to worry excessively about the future but to trust God for our needs each day.
"Our daily bread": This refers to the fundamental necessities of life – food, shelter, clothing, and other essential resources needed to survive. "Bread" was the staple food in that time and place, representing all the basic provisions one needs. It's a request for enough, but not necessarily abundance.

It's a prayer for sufficiency, not extravagance.
It underscores the importance of gratitude for what we have.
It encourages a mindful approach to consumption.

2. Figurative Interpretation: Spiritual Nourishment and Guidance

"Bread" can also represent spiritual nourishment, such as:

The Word of God: Jesus himself is referred to as the "bread of life" (John 6:35). So, the prayer can be interpreted as a plea for daily guidance and sustenance from the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit provides inner strength, wisdom, and comfort, which are essential for spiritual well-being.
Fellowship with Believers: Sharing meals together was a significant aspect of early Christian community, representing shared faith and support.

3. Broader Implications

Humility: The prayer recognizes our dependence on God.
Trust: It expresses faith that God will provide for our needs.
Sharing: It subtly encourages us to be mindful of those who lack even their daily bread and to be generous.
Simplicity: It promotes a focus on essential needs rather than material desires.
Focus on the present: It encourages living in the present moment and trusting God for daily provisions.

In Summary:

"Give us today our daily bread" is a prayer that encompasses both our physical and spiritual needs. It's a call for God to provide for us each day, both materially and spiritually, and a reminder to live in humility, gratitude, and trust. It's also a prompt to consider the needs of others and to share what we have with those who are less fortunate. It encourages a daily reliance on God and a rejection of anxiety and excessive materialism.

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