Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Luke 11:4 (KJV)

Context

Luke 11:4 is part of the passage commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus gave this prayer in response to a disciple’s request, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). He intended it as a model or template for believers to approach God in prayer.

Meaning

The first part of Luke 11:4 highlights the importance of forgiveness. Jesus teaches us to ask God for forgiveness of our sins, showing our recognition of our own need for mercy and grace. By acknowledging our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness, we demonstrate a repentant heart and a desire for a restored relationship with Him.

The phrase “for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” connects our receiving forgiveness from God with our extending forgiveness to others. The Greek word for “indebted” (opheilētēs) frames sin as a debt owed to God. This does not mean that forgiving others earns God’s forgiveness; rather, it expresses the necessary disposition of a repentant heart. A person who comes to God seeking pardon must also be willing to pardon others. As recipients of God’s forgiveness, we should reflect His character by forgiving others.

The second part of Luke 11:4 focuses on seeking God’s guidance and protection in the face of temptation and evil. By asking God to “lead us not into temptation,” we acknowledge our vulnerability and our need for His guidance to make wise choices and avoid falling into sin. The “but” connects the two clauses, showing that deliverance from evil is the means by which God keeps us from falling into temptation.

Additionally, we ask for deliverance from evil. This request acknowledges the existence of evil in the world and our need for God’s protection. The phrase “deliver us from evil” can also be translated “deliver us from the evil one,” pointing to a personal adversary. By seeking His deliverance, we express our trust in God’s power to guard us from the schemes of the enemy and to keep us safe in His care.

Application

Luke 11:4 teaches us the significance of forgiveness, both in seeking forgiveness from God and extending it to others. It also reminds us of our dependence on God’s guidance and protection, acknowledging our vulnerability to temptation and evil. The Lord’s Prayer serves as a powerful model for our own prayers, providing us with guidance on how to approach God, express our needs, and align our hearts with His will.