Lead Us Not Into Temptation

A line-by-line exploration of the Lord's Prayer through the writings of famous theological commentators

"And lead us not into temptation" is the sixth of the seven petitions in the Lord's prayer (the first three address God, the second four are prayers related to our needs and concerns)

Please select a commentary by clicking on one of the following:-

Matthew Henry on the meaning of "Lead us not into temptation"

Adam Clarke on "Lead us not into temptation"

Albert Barnes on "Lead us not into temptation"

(Commentary on Matthew chapter 6, verse 13)

Wesley Study Notes
Matthew 6:9-13
Commentary by John Calvin
Lords Prayer Matt 6:9
Commentary by John Calvin
Lords Prayer Matt 6:10
Commentary by John Calvin
Lords Prayer Matt 6:11
Commentary by John Calvin
Lords Prayer Matt 6:12
Commentary by John Calvin
Lords Prayer Matt 6:13
Sermon by Charles Spurgeon
"The Fatherhood of God"
Sermon by Charles Spurgeon
"A Heavenly Pattern..."
Interpretation by
Alexander Maclaren - intro
Interpretation by
Alexander Maclaren - part 1
Interpretation by
Alexander Maclaren - part 2
a contemporary bible study
on the Lord's Prayer

prayerscapes - creative
prayer music

Matthew Henry on "Lead us not into temptation"

6. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. This petition is expressed,
(1.) Negatively: Lead us not into temptation. Having prayed that the guilt of sin may be removed, we pray, as it is fit, that we may never return again to folly, that we may not be tempted to it. It is not as if God tempted any to sin; but, "Lord, do not let Satan loose upon us; chain up that roaring lion, for he is subtle and spiteful; Lord, do not leave us to ourselves (Ps 19:13), for we are very weak; Lord, do not lay stumbling-blocks and snares before us, nor put us into circumstances that may be an occasion of falling." Temptations are to be prayed against, both because of the discomfort and trouble of them, and because of the danger we are in of being overcome by them, and the guilt and grief that then follow.

Source: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume V (Matthew to John)

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Adam Clarke on "Lead us not into temption"

Verse 13. And lead us not into temptation] That is, bring us
not in to sore trial. PEIRASMON, which may be here rendered sore
trial, comes from PEIRW, to pierce through, as with a spear,
or spit, used so by some of the best Greek writers. Several of
the primitive fathers understood it something in this way; and
have therefore added quam ferre non possimus, "which we cannot
bear." The word not only implies violent assaults from Satan, but
also sorely afflictive circumstances, none of which we have, as
yet, grace or fortitude sufficient to bear. Bring us not in, or
lead us not in. This is a mere Hebraism: God is said to do a
thing which he only permits or suffers to be done.

The process of temptation is often as follows: 1st. A simple
evil thought. 2ndly. A strong imagination, or impression made on
the imagination, by the thing to which we are tempted. 3dly.
Delight in viewing it. 4thly. Consent of the will to perform it.
Thus lust is conceived, sin is finished, and death brought forth.
Jas 1:15. See also on Mt 4:1. A man may be tempted without
entering into the temptation: entering into it implies giving way,
closing in with, and embracing it.

Source: Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Albert Barnes on "Lead us not into temptation"

Verse 13. And lead us not into temptation. A petition similar to this is offered by David, Ps 141:4 "Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity." God tempts no man See Jas 1:13. This phrase, then, must be used in the sense of permitting. Do not suffer us, or permit us, to be tempted to sin. In this it is implied that God has such control over us and the tempter, as to save us from it if we call upon him. The word temptation, however, (Mt 4:1) means sometimes trial, affliction, anything that tests our virtue. If this be the meaning here, as it may be, then the import of the prayer is, "Do not afflict or try us."

Source: Barnes' New Testament Notes