Matthew 6:7 (ASV)

Passage

And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Nearby Context

Matthew 6:5 And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Matthew 6:7 And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Matthew 6:8 Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "praying", "vain", "repetitions", "gentiles", "think", "shall", "heard", and "much". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "praying" and "vain", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 6's "But thou when thou prayest enter into..." into verse 8's "Be not therefore like unto them for...", so "praying" and "vain" belong inside that flow. In Matthew context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "praying" and "vain" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.