1. Matthew 6:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean for God’s name to be hallowed?

Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Hallow is an old English word that has the meaning of to make holy.1 The basic concept of the petition is that God’s name should be honored and exalted by all, including the Christian. Kingdom citizens must make it their aim to increasingly bring glory to God,2 and his name is honoured when his royal rule is acknowledged.3 In the ancient world, a person’s name bespoke the essence of the person.4 Though many profane God’s name in the present age (Exodus 20:7; Jeremiah 34:16; Ezekiel 29:14), God will see to it that his name will be hallowed in the coming time of the kingdom (Isaiah 5:16; Isaiah 29:23; Ezekiel 38:23; Ezekiel 39:7, Ezekiel 39:27).5