Matthew 6:13 Meaning: Lead Us Not Into Temptation

The Greek word for temptation is peirasmos. It can mean a trial or a testing, not only a solicitation to sin. When we pray “lead us not into temptation,” we are asking God not to let us be drawn into a situation where we would give in and fall. The verb for deliver is rhuomai, which means to rescue or draw someone out of danger. It has a strong, active sense—like pulling a drowning person from the water. And the word for evil or the evil one is ponēros. It can be either neuter (evil in general) or masculine (the evil one, Satan). Many early Christians heard it as referring to the personal enemy of our souls. Together these words teach us to be honest about our weakness and to trust that God is strong enough to pull us free.

Christians have read this verse with different emphases. Calvin and many Reformed teachers see it as one petition: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” is a single request for protection. Others, like Wesley, treat it as two related petitions. The Greek word ponērou can mean “evil” or “the evil one.” Some traditions (like the BSB and WEB) translate it as “the evil one,” while the KJV says “evil.” Both readings have strong support among careful interpreters. The doxology at the end is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts, so some traditions omit it in liturgical use, while others retain it as an ancient and fitting conclusion. No matter the reading, Christians across all traditions agree that this verse expresses our complete dependence on God for spiritual safety.

Some readers think that praying “lead us not into temptation” means God might actually tempt us to sin. But James 1:13 says plainly, “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” In fact, the petition is about our weakness, not God’s character. We ask God to keep us from walking into situations where we are likely to fall. The phrase is a Hebrew way of saying “do not allow us to be overcome by temptation.” It is a humble cry for help, not an accusation against God.

This week, try praying this verse slowly when you sense a familiar temptation rising. Maybe it is the urge to snap at a family member, to hide a mistake, or to scroll through something you know will pull your heart away from God. Instead of fighting in your own strength, whisper the words: “Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.” Acknowledge that you are not strong enough on your own. Ask God to provide a way out, as he promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Then thank him that the power and the glory are his, not yours.