Matthew 6:7 “And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that b…”

Matthew 6:7

And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

World English Bible

In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.

American Standard Version

And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Geneva Bible 1599

Also when ye pray, vse no vaine repetitions as the Heathen: for they thinke to be heard for their much babbling.

Darby Translation

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as those who are of the nations: for they think they shall be heard through their much speaking.

Young's Literal Translation

'And — praying — ye may not use vain repetitions like the nations, for they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard,

Bible in Basic English

And in your prayer do not make use of the same words again and again, as the Gentiles do: for they have the idea that God will give attention to them because of the number of their words.

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Cross references

“use”

Ecclesiastes 5:7 1 Kings 18:26–29 Acts 19:34 Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ecclesiastes 5:3

Ecclesiastes 5:7 · BSB

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

1 Kings 18:26–29 · BSB

And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar…

Acts 19:34 · BSB

But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Ecclesiastes 5:2 · BSB

Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 · BSB

As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

“repetitions”

Matthew 26:44 Matthew 26:42 Matthew 26:39 1 Kings 8:26–54 Daniel 9:18 Daniel 9:19

Matthew 26:44 · BSB

So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.

Matthew 26:42 · BSB

A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”

Matthew 26:39 · BSB

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

1 Kings 8:26–54 · BSB

And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David.

Daniel 9:18 · BSB

Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great co…

Daniel 9:19 · BSB

O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.”

“the heathen”

Matthew 6:32 Matthew 18:17

Matthew 6:32 · BSB

For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matthew 18:17 · BSB

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Read Matthew 6