Bible Verse Meaning: Matthew 6:11

Verse: "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)

Summary and Interpretation

This verse is part of the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. Here, "daily bread" symbolizes not only physical sustenance but also our dependence on God for all aspects of life.

Thematic Insights

• Dependence on God:

  As indicated by Matthew Henry, this phrase conveys our reliance upon God's providence. We seek daily provision, illustrating a continual need for God’s sustenance.

• Spiritual Nourishment:

  Albert Barnes elaborates that "bread" is often synonymous with spiritual nourishment as well; it highlights the importance of seeking God’s Word as essential to our spiritual health.

• Forgive and Forgiven:

  Adam Clarke reminds us that our request for daily bread is also an acknowledgment of the need to forgive, paralleling our spiritual sustenance with our relational dynamics with others.

Understanding Scripture

This verse calls for a recognition of both immediate and ongoing needs. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the necessity of seeking God’s help on a daily basis, rather than relying on a surplus for the future. It embodies the spirit of humility and trust in God’s provision.

In-Depth Commentary

The prayer request acknowledges that everything we have comes from God. It is both a physical and spiritual appeal, where "bread" may refer to our basic needs, while also encapsulating divine support and the fortitude to face life’s challenges.

Application in Daily Life

In applying this verse, believers may start each day acknowledging the necessity of daily prayer for guidance, provision, and sustenance from God. This could also encapsulate a broader understanding of our needs, such as emotional, spiritual, and community-based support.

Additional Reflections

• Trust in God's Timing:

  The prayer serves as a reminder that God knows our needs before we ask and provides in His perfect timing.

• Community Aspect:

  Emphasizing the "us" in the prayer shows a communal need; it connects to the importance of community support in fulfilling the needs of others.

• Simplicity and Gratitude:

  This prayer challenges believers to appreciate the simple joys of sustenance and the profound gratitude owed to God for every meal and provision.

Cross References

• Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory..."
• Luke 11:3: "Give us day by day our daily bread."
• Proverbs 30:8-9: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with the food allotted to me."

Final Thoughts

Matthew 6:11 invites believers to rely on God daily and encourages them to seek spiritual as well as physical nourishment. Overall, it serves as a holistic guideline for life that encompasses dependence, trust, and communal awareness.