New International VersionOne day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
New Living TranslationOnce Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
English Standard VersionNow Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
Berean Standard BibleOne day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd it came to pass in His being in a certain place praying, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
King James BibleAnd it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
New King James VersionNow it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
New American Standard BibleIt happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
NASB 1995It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
NASB 1977And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd it happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
Amplified BibleIt happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
Christian Standard BibleHe was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
American Standard VersionAnd it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.
Contemporary English VersionWhen Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray."
English Revised VersionAnd it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOnce Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped praying, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples."
Good News TranslationOne day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
International Standard VersionOnce Jesus was praying in a certain place. After he had finished, one of his disciples told him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."
NET BibleNow Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
New Heart English BibleIt happened, that when he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Weymouth New TestamentAt one place where He was praying, when He rose from His knees one of His disciples said to Him, "Master, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOne day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
World English BibleWhen he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it came to pass, in His being in a certain place praying, as He ceased, a certain one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as also John taught his disciples.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd it came to pass in His being in a certain place praying, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Young's Literal Translation And it came to pass, in his being in a certain place praying, as he ceased, a certain one of his disciples said unto him, 'Sir, teach us to pray, as also John taught his disciples.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it was in his being in a certain place praying, when he ceased, a certain of his disciples said to him Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAND it came to pass, that as he was in a certain place praying, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd it happened that, while he was in a certain place praying, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
New American BibleHe was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”
New Revised Standard VersionHe was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAND it came to pass, while he was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, Our Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIt was that when he was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Our Lord, teach us to pray, just as Yohannan also taught his disciples.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Godbey New TestamentAnd it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Haweis New TestamentAND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.
Mace New TestamentOne day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples.
Weymouth New TestamentAt one place where He was praying, when He rose from His knees one of His disciples said to Him, "Master, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
Worrell New TestamentAnd it came to pass, as He was in a certain place praying, that, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Worsley New TestamentAnd as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Lord's Prayer1One dayinaplacewhereJesushad just finishedpraying,oneof Hisdisciplesrequested,“Lord,teachusto pray,justasJohntaughthisdisciples.”2So Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.…
Cross References Matthew 6:9-13So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. / Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. / Give us this day our daily bread. ...
Matthew 7:7-11Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...
Mark 1:35Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.
John 17:1-26When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. / For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. / Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. ...
Acts 1:14With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Romans 8:26-27In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.
Philippians 4:6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Hebrews 5:7During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
1 Timothy 2:1-2First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Psalm 5:3In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.
Psalm 55:17Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.
Psalm 86:1-7A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. / Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. / Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. ...
Psalm 102:17He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.
Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. that. Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 9:18,28 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? … Luke 22:39-45 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him… teach. Psalm 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Romans 8:26,27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered… Jump to Previous CeasedDisciplesEndFinishedJesusJohnKneesMasterPrayerPrayingRoseSirTaughtTeachJump to Next CeasedDisciplesEndFinishedJesusJohnKneesMasterPrayerPrayingRoseSirTaughtTeachLuke 11 1.Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;11.assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.14.He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;27.and shows who are blessed;29.preaches to the people;37.and reprimands the outward show of holiness.One day in a place where Jesus had just finished prayingThis phrase highlights the regularity and importance of prayer in Jesus' life. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray, as seen in Luke 5:16. This practice underscores His dependence on the Father and sets an example for His followers. The specific location is not mentioned, emphasizing the universality of prayer rather than tying it to a particular place. This reflects the Jewish tradition of prayer at set times and places, yet Jesus models a more personal and continuous communion with God. one of His disciples requested
The request from a disciple indicates a desire to learn and grow in spiritual disciplines. It shows the disciples' recognition of Jesus' unique relationship with God and their wish to emulate it. This moment reflects the rabbinic tradition where disciples would seek instruction from their teacher, highlighting the role of Jesus as a rabbi and spiritual leader. “Lord, teach us to pray,
The title "Lord" signifies respect and acknowledgment of Jesus' authority. The request to be taught to pray suggests that prayer is a learned practice, not just spontaneous communication. This aligns with Jewish customs where prayer was often taught and recited, such as the Shema. The disciples' request indicates their understanding that effective prayer requires guidance and instruction. just as John taught his disciples.”
This reference to John the Baptist teaching his disciples to pray suggests a common practice among Jewish teachers to instruct their followers in prayer. It highlights the continuity between John's ministry and Jesus', as both emphasized the importance of prayer. This connection also points to the expectation that Jesus, like John, would provide a distinctive prayer model for His followers, setting them apart in their spiritual practice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who often withdrew to pray, demonstrating a life of communion with the Father. 2. DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who were eager to learn from Him, including how to pray effectively. 3. John the BaptistA forerunner to Jesus who also taught his disciples about spiritual practices, including prayer. 4. Place of PrayerAlthough not specified, it is a location where Jesus was engaged in prayer, highlighting the importance of setting aside time and space for communion with God. 5. Request for TeachingThe disciple's request signifies a desire for deeper spiritual understanding and practice, reflecting the Jewish tradition of rabbinic teaching. Teaching Points The Importance of PrayerJesus' example underscores the necessity of prayer in the believer's life. If Jesus, the Son of God, prioritized prayer, how much more should we? Desire for Spiritual GrowthThe disciple's request reflects a heart eager to grow in faith. We should continually seek to deepen our understanding and practice of prayer. Learning from JesusJust as the disciples asked Jesus to teach them, we should turn to Scripture and the Holy Spirit for guidance in our spiritual disciplines. Community and TraditionThe reference to John the Baptist teaching his disciples suggests the value of learning within a community and respecting spiritual traditions. Practical Prayer LifeDevelop a consistent prayer routine, finding a quiet place and time to connect with God, following Jesus' example. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 11:1?
2.How can we incorporate prayer into our daily routine like Jesus did?
3.What does Jesus' example in Luke 11:1 teach us about prayer's importance?
4.How does Luke 11:1 connect with other teachings on prayer in the Bible?
5.Why did the disciples ask Jesus, "teach us to pray" in Luke 11:1?
6.How can we model our prayers after Jesus' example in Luke 11:1?
7.Why did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray in Luke 11:1?
8.How does Luke 11:1 reflect the importance of prayer in Jesus' ministry?
9.What does Luke 11:1 reveal about the disciples' understanding of prayer?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?
11.Is Jesus still alive?
12.Why did Jesus communicate with God through prayer?
13.What did Jesus mean by "Ask and You Shall Receive"?
14.If Jesus was God, why did He pray to the Father?What Does Luke 11:1 Mean One day– Luke likes to signal moments in Jesus’ ministry with simple time-markers, showing the steady rhythm of the Lord’s earthly walk (seeLuke 5:1; 6:12). – The wording underlines that what follows was part of an ordinary day, reminding us that divine encounters and lessons often come in the flow of daily life (compareActs 3:1).
in a place–Luke 5:16 notes, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”. This phrase hints at one of those habitual retreats. – God meets His people wherever they seek Him—whether a mountain (Luke 6:12), a garden (Luke 22:39-41), or a house (Acts 10:9). Location matters less than the intent to draw near.
where Jesus had just finished praying– Jesus models dependence on the Father (John 5:19). Each recorded prayer time accents His genuine humanity and flawless obedience. – Moments after finishing prayer inLuke 9:18 andLuke 9:28-29, significant revelations followed. Here, the pattern repeats: communion precedes instruction. – His example echoesPsalm 55:17—prayer as a continual practice, not an occasional emergency.
one of His disciples requested– The unnamed disciple shows humility; disciples do not presume to know everything (Mark 4:10). – Asking Jesus directly reflectsJames 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” – Approachability is part of Christ’s shepherd-heart (Matthew 11:28-29). The disciple feels safe to voice spiritual desire.
Lord, teach us to pray– Calling Him “Lord” affirms His authority (Luke 6:46). Learning to pray begins with recognizing who instructs. – The request prioritizes relationship over ritual; they want to commune as He does.Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to the same confidence. – Jesus will immediately provide the model prayer (Luke 11:2-4), later echoed inMatthew 6:9-13, proving that He answers sincere petitions.
just as John taught his disciples– John the Baptist’s followers practiced fasting and prayer (Luke 5:33), so this appeal seeks similar structured guidance. – The reference shows respect for John’s ministry (John 1:35-37) while acknowledging Jesus’ greater authority. – It also highlights continuity: God’s people have always been taught to pray—Moses (Exodus 33:11), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-17), and now the Messiah’s own.
summaryLuke 11:1 captures a routine moment transformed into a teaching opportunity. Jesus finishes praying; a disciple, noticing the depth of that communion, asks to be taught the same practice. The verse underscores Christ’s regular prayer life, the disciples’ teachable spirit, and the continuity of godly instruction from John to Jesus. It invites every believer to follow the Lord’s example, seek His guidance, and grow in intimate conversation with the Father. XI. (1)As he was praying in a certain place.--The facts of the case as here narrated, the common practice of the Jews, and the analogy of the prayers inJohn 11:41,Matthew 26:39, and, we may add, of the thanksgiving inLuke 10:21,Matthew 11:25, all lead to the conclusion that our Lord prayed aloud, and that some, at least, of the disciples heard Him. They listened, unable to follow, or to record what they had heard, and they wished to be able to enter into His spirit and pray as He prayed. Teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.--It seems, at first sight, to follow from this that the disciple who asked this had not been present when the Sermon on the Mount was spoken. It is conceivable, however, that, knowing the pattern prayer which had then been given, he had thought it adapted for the multitude, and not for the special scholars and disciples--too short and simple as compared, on the one hand, with the devotions which John had prescribed to his disciples, as he prescribed also fasting and alms-giving (Matthew 9:14;Luke 3:11), and with the fuller utterances, as of rapt communion with God, of his Master. The prayers of John's disciples were probably, like those of the Pharisees, offered three times a day, at the third, the sixth, and the ninth hours, and after the pattern of the well-known "Eighteen Prayers," which made up the Jewish manual of private devotion. . . . Verses 1-13. - The Lord's teaching on the subject of prayer. Again the scene is far away from Jerusalem; no special note of time or place enables us to fix the scene or date with any exactness. Somewhere in the course of the last journeyings towards Jerusalem, related especially in this Gospel, did this scene and its teaching take place. Verse 1. - Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. It seems as though some of his disciples - we know at this period many were with him besides the twelve - heard their Master praying. It appeared to them - no doubt, as they caught here and there a word and expression as he prayed, perhaps partly alone, partly to him-self - as though a friend was speaking to a friend; they would pray like that: would not the Master teach them his beautiful secret? In reply, Jesus repeats to them, in rather an abbreviated form, what, at an earlier period of his ministry, he had taught to the multitudes and the twelve. It was very likely one of the seventy who made this request, who had not been present on the first occasion, when the Lord gave his prayer of prayers to the people. We have already remarked that at this time the twelve, who had heard it, were probably often absent on mission work. It was a usual practice among the more famous rabbis to give prayer-formulas to their pupils. We have no tradition extant of John the Baptist's prayer here alluded to.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [One day]Καὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.aτινὶ(tini)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.placeτόπῳ(topō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117:Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.whereὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.[Jesus]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.had just finishedἐπαύσατο(epausato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3973:A primary verb; to stop, i.e. Restrain, quit, desist, come to an end.praying,προσευχόμενον(proseuchomenon)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4336:To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.oneτις(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.of Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.disciplesμαθητῶν(mathētōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.requested,εἶπέν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“Lord,Κύριε(Kyrie)Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.teachδίδαξον(didaxon)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1321:To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.usἡμᾶς(hēmas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.to pray,προσεύχεσθαι(proseuchesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4336:To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.justκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.JohnἸωάννης(Iōannēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.taughtἐδίδαξεν(edidaxen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1321:To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.disciples.”μαθητὰς(mathētas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.
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NT Gospels: Luke 11:1 It happened that when he finished praying (Luke Lu Lk) |
