The Lord’s Prayer 6: “Thy Will Be Done”

This article belongs to the “Studying the Lord’s Prayer with Brad Young” series. For an overview of the entire series, click here.

We noted in a previous article that “Thy will be done” parallels “Thy Kingdom come.” Both phrases mean, “May you continue establishing your Kingship.” Jesus does not instruct his disciples to pray “if it is your will.” It is within God’s purpose that all men should repent and become a part of God’s reign. “May your will be accomplished” is a strong affirmative appeal.

“Let It Be Done”

The key to understanding this petition in Matthew 6:10 is the Greek word γενηθήτω (genēthetō), translated “be done.” This word literally means “let it be” or “let it come about,” and can best be translated to Hebrew by יֵעָשֶׂה (yē·‘ā·SEH, “let it be done”). The most literal Hebrew translation of this entreaty would employ the verb הָיָה (hā·YĀH, “to be”) and be rendered “Let it be your will in heaven and on earth,” or “Let your will prevail in heaven and on earth.” However, the context of the prayer makes this translation somewhat awkward, and we must keep in mind that the most literal reconstruction is not always the most reliable.