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    Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

    Matthew 6:13 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
    — Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
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    Introduction to Matthew 6:13

    The Lord's Prayer closes with a petition for protection and a doxology of praise. 'Lead us not into temptation' acknowledges the believer's vulnerability; 'deliver us from evil' asks for active rescue; the closing doxology returns to where the prayer began — to God's glory above all.

    Historical and Cultural Context

    The closing doxology ('For thine is the kingdom...') is absent from some of the earliest manuscripts and may reflect ancient liturgical use of the prayer. Even so, it has been part of the church's praying for centuries and captures the Hebrew benediction pattern (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:11). The petition for deliverance from evil/the evil one would have been pointedly relevant in a world where demonic activity was openly acknowledged.

    Original Language Insights

    'Lead us not' (me eisenenkes) — aorist subjunctive, a request not to be led into. 'Temptation' (peirasmon) — testing or trial, can refer to circumstances that tempt to sin or trials that test faith. 'Deliver' (rusai) — rescue, snatch out of danger. 'Evil' (tou ponerou) — may be neuter ('evil') or masculine ('the evil one,' i.e., Satan). The doxology declares kingdom, power, and glory as God's eternal possession.

    Theological Significance

    James 1:13 makes clear God tempts no one. The petition therefore asks: keep us from situations where we would fall, and when tested, deliver us. The prayer presupposes that the believer cannot stand alone — divine protection is essential. The closing doxology lifts the prayer beyond petition to praise: every kingdom, every power, and every glory ultimately belongs to God forever. Beginning with God's name (v. 9) and ending with God's glory frames every request between them in worship.

    Practical Application for Today

    Pray this verse before situations of known temptation — meetings, social media use, lonely evenings. Ask God to keep you from going where you would fall. When tested, cry 'deliver us from evil' — and watch for the way of escape He provides (1 Corinthians 10:13). End your praying with doxology: 'Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.' Praise reshapes the soul that has just been asking.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    1 Corinthians 10:13

    "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man...but will with the temptation also make a way to escape."

    The promise of escape that answers this petition.

    James 1:13

    "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil."

    Clarifies that God does not tempt — the petition asks for protection, not exemption from divine action.

    1 Chronicles 29:11

    "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory."

    David's doxology that the Lord's Prayer's closing echoes.

    Prayer Response

    Father, keep me today from temptation I could not withstand, and deliver me from the evil that seeks my soul. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. I close my prayer where it began — at Your feet. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why ask God not to lead us into temptation if He doesn't tempt anyone?

    The petition acknowledges that God sovereignly orders all circumstances. We ask Him to spare us from situations where we would fall and to keep us when tested. It is a prayer of humble self-knowledge.

    Is the doxology original to Jesus?

    Some early manuscripts include it, others do not. The wording reflects ancient Jewish prayer practice and 1 Chronicles 29:11. Even if added by the early church, it expresses biblical truth and has been part of Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years.

    Does 'evil' mean impersonal bad things or Satan personally?

    Grammatically it could be either, and probably both. We pray to be delivered from evil in all its forms — circumstances, sin, and the personal adversary who orchestrates them.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Matthew 6 verse by verse:

    Before · Matthew 6:10Exact verse

    Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

    Theme: God's Kingdom and Will

    Before · Matthew 6:11Exact verse

    Give us this day our daily bread.

    Theme: Prayer & Provision

    Before · Matthew 6:12Exact verse

    And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

    Theme: Forgiveness

    After · Matthew 6:14Exact verse

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

    Theme: Mutual Forgiveness

    After · Matthew 6:15Exact verse

    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

    Theme: Forgiveness

    After · Matthew 6:19-20Exact verse

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

    Theme: Eternal Investments

    Read Matthew 5Commentary: Matthew 5:13
    Read Matthew 6 (full)Nearest commentary: Matthew 6:12
    Read Matthew 7Commentary: Matthew 7:13-14
    Previous commentary: Matthew 6:12Next commentary: Matthew 6:14

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

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    Spiritual warfare is the ongoing battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, fought through prayer, faith, and the Word of God.

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    What is the Second Coming of Christ?

    The Second Coming is the promised future return of Jesus Christ to earth in power and glory to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom.

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    The Bible promises that God provides a way of escape with every temptation and instructs believers to use Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit's power to overcome.

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    What Is the Sermon on the Mount?

    The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' most comprehensive teaching — covering kingdom ethics, prayer, worry, judging, and the radical standards of heart righteousness.

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    What Role Does Music Play in Worship?

    Music is a God-ordained vehicle for worship, praise, prayer, teaching, and spiritual warfare — woven throughout Scripture from Moses' song to the hymns of heaven.

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    What Does the Lord's Prayer Mean?

    The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is Jesus' model prayer teaching us to honor God, submit to His will, depend on Him daily, seek forgiveness, and ask for protection from evil.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Matthew 6:33 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

    Matthew 28:19-20 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

    Matthew 11:28-30 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

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    Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee in the fourth watch of the night and bid Peter come to Him.

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    Healing
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    Healing of the Centurion's Servant

    Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith and healed his servant from a distance with a word.

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    Signs & Wonders
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    The Transfiguration of Jesus

    Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, His face shining as the sun, with Moses and Elijah appearing.

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    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Jonah and the Great Fish

    A great fish swallowed Jonah and held him three days and nights before delivering him alive on land.

    Read the miracle

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    God Promises Power Over Temptation

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