Matthew 6:8

8 Therefore do not be like them, for your Father knows {what you need} before you ask him.

Matthew 6:8 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them
. Do not be imitators of them, and follow their ways, who have only the dim light of nature to guide them; it would be shameful in you to do as they do, when you have a divine revelation for your direction; and especially, because

your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him;
and therefore have no need to make use of many words, or much speaking, or long prayers. The omniscience of God is a considerable argument, and a great encouragement to prayer; he knows our persons and our wants before hand; and as he is able to help us, we have reason to believe he will; especially since he stands in the relation of a Father to us.

Matthew 6:8 In-Context

6 But whenever you pray, enter into your inner room and shut your door [and] pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 "But [when you] pray, do not babble repetitiously like the pagans, for they think that because of their many words they will be heard.

8 Therefore do not be like them, for your Father knows {what you need} before you ask him.

9 Therefore you pray in this way: "Our Father who is in heaven, may your name be treated as holy.

10 May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as [it is] in heaven.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "of what you have need"