THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE - Chapter 11 - Verse 4

Verse 4. For we also forgive, &c. This is somewhat different from the expression in Matthew, though the sense is the same. The idea is, that unless we forgive others, God will not forgive us; and unless we come to him really forgiving all others, we cannot expect pardon. It does not mean that by forgiving others we deserve forgiveness ourselves, or merit it, but that this is a disposition or state of mind without which God cannot consistently pardon us.

Everyone that is indebted to us. Every one that has injured us. This does not refer to pecuniary transactions, but to offences similar to those which we have committed against God, and for which we ask forgiveness. Besides the variations in the expressions in this prayer, Luke has omitted the doxology, or close, altogether; and this shows that Jesus did not intend that we should always use just this form, but that it was a general direction how to pray; or, rather, that we were to pray for these things, though not always using the same words.

{b} "for we also forgive everyone" Mr 11:25,26.