What Does Luke 11:3 Mean in the King James?
Give us day by day our daily bread.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Here, daily need is voiced as shared dependence: bread is asked for as a gift, one day at a time.
THE MEANING
Your need is spoken in a shared voice: “us” and “our” make daily provision something held in common. The request is for bread to be given day by day, keeping the need and its provision in the rhythm of the present.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The verse undoes the belief that needing ordinary provision is a personal failure: the prayer makes that need shared.
THE ROOT
δός
dos
GROWS FROM
δο- (*do-), in δίδωμι (didōmi)
to give, grant
The request begins with δός (dos, “give”), from δίδωμι (didōmi, “to give”), whose word family also names giving and gifts. The bread appears within a relation of receiving, so daily nourishment is asked for as something given.
ALSO GROWS
dosis: giving; gift
δόσις
The request names an act of giving, linking the bread to the ongoing provision it represents.
dōron: gift; offering
δῶρον
This branch names what is given: the bread is received as provision, not claimed as something already secured.
ἐπιούσιον
epiousion
GROWS FROM
ἐπιούσιος
Possibly bread for the coming day, or bread needed for subsistence.
The word translated “daily” is rare, and its derivation is uncertain. Luke also says “day by day,” making the prayer’s recurring rhythm clear even while the word’s deeper shade remains open.
ALSO GROWS
epiousa: coming; following, as in the coming day
ἐπιοῦσα
One proposed connection points toward bread for the day that is coming.
ousia: being; substance or means
οὐσία
Another proposed connection points toward bread necessary for subsistence.
THE PATTERN
Provision is received in its season, meeting need and sustaining life.
Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)THE THREAD
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.The Greek verb δίδωμι (didōmi, “to give”) links this verse’s request with John’s naming of the Father as giver of bread. The daily request opens toward a wider question: what is the source of the bread that sustains life?
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