Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 6:10
“Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
NIV · New International Version
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
WEB · World English Bible
Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What does Matthew 6:10 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come,.... The form of expression used by the ancient Jews, relating to this article, before the coming of Christ, doubtless was, as it now stands in their prayers (r), , "the kingdom of thy Messiah come". Christ alters the expression, leaves out the word "Messiah", and puts it thus, "thy kingdom come", to let them know that the Messiah was come; and that it was the kingdom of the Father, in the power of his grace, upon the souls of men, they must pray for and expect: however, he conformed to a rule of their's in this, as well as in the former petition (s); that "every blessing, or prayer, in which there is no , "mention made of the name", i.e. of God, is no prayer; and that…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 6:9–13
10. May thy kingdom come Though the Greek verb (eltheto) is simple, yet if, instead of May thy kingdom come, we read, as it was rendered in the old translation, May thy kingdom arrive, [435] the meaning will remain unchanged. We must first attend to the definition of the kingdom of God. He is said to reign among men, when they voluntarily devote and submit themselves to be governed by him, placing their flesh under the yoke, and renouncing their desires.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 6:7–13 (WEB)
7In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. 9Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
Cross references
- Hebrews 10:36
For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
- Matthew 26:42
Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”
- Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
- John 4:34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
- John 6:40
This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
- Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Colossians 1:9
For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q110. What rule has God given for our direction in prayer?
The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.
- Q113. What do we pray for in the second petition?
In the second petition, which is “Thy kingdom come,” we pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced; ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
- Q114. What do we pray for in the third petition?
In the third petition, which is, “Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven,” we pray that God by His grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to His will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.