Matthew 6:7

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, etc.] Saying the same things over and over again, as the Heathens do, as the worshippers of Baal, from morning till noon, (<111826>1 Kings 18:26). This our Lord observes, to dissuade from such practices, because the Gentiles, who were odious to the Jews, used them, and the Jews were guilty of the same; had they not, there would not have been any need of such advice: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking; as did the Jews, who, under pretence of “long prayers”, devoured widows’ houses; and with whom it is an axiom, that “everyone hn[n hlyptb hbrmh, that multiplies prayer is heard” f397; and whoever prolongs his prayer, his prayer…”

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions--"Babble not" would be a better rendering, both for the form of the word--which in both languages is intended to imitate the sound--and for the sense, which expresses not so much the repetition of the same words as a senseless multiplication of them; as appears from what follows. as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking--This method of heathen devotion is still observed by Hindu and Mohammedan devotees. With the Jews, says LIGHTFOOT, it was a maxim, that "Every one who multiplies prayer is heard." In the Church of Rome, not only is it carried to a shameless extent, but, as THOLUCK justly observes, the very…”

“Use not vain repetitions - The original word here is supposed to be derived from the name of a Greek poet, who made long and weary verses, declaring by many forms and endless repetitions the same sentiment. Hence, it means to repeat a thing often; to say the same thing in different words, or to repeat the same words, as though God did not hear at first. An example of this we have in 1 Kings 18:26; “They called on Baal from morning until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us!” It may serve to illustrate this passage, and to show how true is the description here of prevailing modes of prayer, to refer to the forms and modes of devotion still practiced in Palestine by the Muslims. Dr. Thomson (“The…”

“Use not vain repetitions - To repeat any words without meaning them, is certainly a vain repetition. Therefore we should be extremely careful in all our prayers to mean what we say; and to say only what we mean from the bottom of our hearts. The vain and heathenish repetitions which we are here warned against, are most dangerous, and yet very common; which is a principal cause why so many, who still profess religion, are a disgrace to it. Indeed all the words in the world are not equivalent to one holy desire. And the very best prayers are but vain repetitions, if they are not the language of the heart. Matthew 6:8”

“6:7-8 God cannot be coaxed by endless repetition. The Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13) is a model of simplicity in contrast with pagan wordiness.”

“use: Kg1 18:26-29; Ecc 5:2, Ecc 5:3, Ecc 5:7; Act 19:34 repetitions: Mat 26:39, Mat 26:42, Mat 26:44; 1Kings 8:26-54; Dan 9:18, Dan 9:19 the heathen: Mat 6:32, Mat 18:17 Matthew 6:8”