New Testament
Luke 11:3
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Give us each day the bread we need.
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Give us day by day our daily bread.
What Luke 11:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches His followers to ask God for their daily needs, symbolized by 'bread.' This request emphasizes reliance on God for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The phrase 'each day' highlights the importance of daily dependence on God, suggesting that we should not worry about tomorrow but trust Him for what we need today. This reflects a relationship of trust and faith, where believers acknowledge that all provisions come from God. The term 'daily bread' can also be understood as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment, indicating that just as we need food to sustain our bodies, we also need God's word and presence to sustain our souls. This prayer encourages a mindset of gratitude and recognition of God's ongoing provision in our lives, reminding us to seek Him first in all things.
How to apply Luke 11:3 to your life
Incorporate daily prayer into your routine, asking God for what you need each day. This practice fosters a deeper relationship with Him and helps you recognize His provision in your life. Remember to express gratitude for both physical and spiritual sustenance.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
This is a line from the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. It asks God to provide bread — food for daily life. The request is made repeatedly, each day, rather than once for the future. The prayer treats God as the one who supplies what people need to live, and it asks only for what is needed now, not for a stockpile.
Read It in Context
A disciple asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus gave them a model prayer. This verse is the first request in that prayer that deals with physical, everyday needs. The requests before it (verse 2) are about God's name, kingdom, and will. This verse turns to the needs of daily life.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 'daily bread' mean in Luke 11:3?
In Luke 11:3, 'daily bread' symbolizes our daily needs, both physical and spiritual. It represents the essential sustenance we require to live, highlighting our reliance on God for provision. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's help for their everyday necessities and to recognize that just as we need food for our bodies, we also need spiritual nourishment from God's word and presence.
How can I apply Luke 11:3 in my daily life?
To apply Luke 11:3, incorporate a practice of daily prayer into your routine where you specifically ask God for what you need each day. This could include requests for physical needs like food and shelter, as well as spiritual needs such as guidance and strength. By doing this, you cultivate a deeper relationship with God and develop a mindset of gratitude, acknowledging His ongoing provision in your life.
Why is daily dependence on God important?
Daily dependence on God is important because it fosters a relationship built on trust and faith. By asking for our needs each day, we acknowledge that we cannot rely solely on ourselves. This dependence helps us to focus on the present, reducing anxiety about the future, and encourages us to recognize and appreciate God's blessings in our lives, both big and small.
What does this verse teach about worry?
Luke 11:3 teaches that we should not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on our needs for today. By asking God for our daily bread, we are reminded to trust Him for our current circumstances rather than being anxious about what lies ahead. This perspective encourages a sense of peace and reliance on God's provision, reinforcing the idea that He cares for us and will meet our needs.
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