Trespasses or Debts?

Depending which side of the border you find yourself, Scotland or England, you will find a difference in the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer; “Forgive us our trespasses….” as opposed to “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Let’s look at the meaning behind the two words ‘trespasses’ and ‘debtors’. 

Trespass found in the King James Version means to : to enter unlawfully upon the land of another or to make an unwarranted or uninvited incursion. Where as Debt and Debtor is derived from the meaning of one guilty of neglect or a violation of duty.

However, the original greek word has the distinct meaning of to fall beside or near something or a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness. Interestingly, in that Jesus would most probably have spoken to the disciples in Aramaic did you know that the Aramaic word for “forgive” literally means to “untie”? 

I like J B Philips paraphrase that says, “Forgive us what we owe to you, as we have also forgiven those who owe anything to us. Keep us clear of temptation, and save us from evil’.”

I recently read this from an article on the Lord’s Prayer, “Jesus advice - pray in this way -- is still good advice for us. Say the Lord's Prayer, and take an hour to say it. There is no word or phrase in it which does not repay you if you mine it for meaning, and savour it, for instance: Your kingdom come. Though the word kingdom sounds obsolete, the idea still holds good: May I leave this world better than I found it, shape it closer to the Creator's dream. Take the prayer slowly, breathing slowly as you relish it and are led into its depths.”

Ponder this - As I pray for forgiveness, I dispose myself to be forgiving. I make myself ready for healing by not harbouring resentment. Debts, evil and trespasses are all brought before God and assume their proper place. I am drawn to God, being made holy, nourished and forgiven.

Our Father in heaven, help us to honour your name. Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen (Adapted from Contemporary Version of the Bible).