The Lord’s Prayer – our protector
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. – Matthew 6:13 [ESV]
The last portion of the Lord’s prayer might sound a little confusing. To understand it, we need to know the meanings of the Greek word used for temptation and the contextual teachings about temptation in the bible.
The Greek word translated as temptation (“peirasmos”) can mean temptation or test depending on the context[1]. It is also important to know the differences between both definitions. Temptation is defined as “the desire to do or have something that you know is bad or wrong[2]” Test is defined as “an examination of somebody’s knowledge or ability, consisting of questions for them to answer or activities for them to perform”[3].
So, what is the context of Matthew 6:13? This verse is a prayer asking God to protect us: lead us not and deliver us. If we were to use ‘temptation’ as the meaning, the text would be saying that God is both the tempter and the protector. However, this would be a contradiction, as both statements could not be true at the same time. In addition, labeling God as a tempter contradicts His character (His hatred of sin and evil), and the context of this prayer (a loving father). So, the context leads us to use the ‘test’ definition. Based on this,
The meaning here most likely carries the sense, “Allow us to be spared from difficult circumstances that would tempt us to sin”.[4]
Also, in the broader context of what we know about God in the bible, we know that He doesn’t cause temptations. However, He can test His children.
- God temps no one,
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1:13-14 [ESV]
- God doesn’t want us to fall into temptation.
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation… – Matthew 26:41a [ESV]
- God protects us from temptation.
Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations – 2 Peter 2:9a [NKJV]
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1Corinthians 10:13 [ESV]
- God tests us for our own good.
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:3-4 [ESV]
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith…may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:6-7 [ESV]
We can confidently say that God is not our tempter, but our protector. God is the means through which we can overcome evil.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 [ESV]
Rejoice, you who are in Christ. You have a protector in God.
[1] BibleHub.com – 39.86 - Peiramos [2] Oxford Learners Dictionary - temptation [3] Oxford Learners Dictionary -test [4] ESV Study Bible Notes - Matthew 6:13
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