Brief Answer

“Hallowed be thy name” in the Lord’s Prayer acknowledges God’s holiness and calls for His name to be honored and revered. It reflects a heart of worship and a desire for God’s character and glory to be magnified in all the earth.

Understanding “Hallowed Be Thy Name” from a Biblical Perspective

The phrase “hallowed be thy name” appears in the Lord’s Prayer, recorded in Matthew 6:9. It comes from the word “hallow,” which means to sanctify or make holy. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He emphasized the reverence due to God’s name, acknowledging His holiness and majesty.

God’s name in Scripture represents His character, nature, and authority. To hallow His name is to:

• Recognize God’s uniqueness and set Him apart from all else.
• Honor and glorify Him in thought, word, and deed.
• Pray for His holiness to be acknowledged throughout the world.

Psalm 29:2 declares, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” This aligns with the heart behind “hallowed be thy name”—a prayer that God’s glory and holiness be recognized universally.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture, God’s name carried profound significance. The Hebrew name for God, Yahweh, was considered so sacred that it was often replaced with titles like Adonai (Lord) or Elohim (God) in spoken language. This reverence reflects a deep understanding of God’s holiness.

The Ten Commandments further highlight the importance of God’s name: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). To misuse God’s name was to dishonor His character, while to hallow it was to uphold His reputation and glory.

When Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer, He built on this tradition, teaching His disciples to begin their prayers by acknowledging the holiness of God’s name. This set the tone for the rest of the prayer, centering on God’s will and kingdom rather than human concerns.

Practical Implications

Praying “hallowed be thy name” shapes how we approach God and live out our faith. It reminds us to:

• Worship God in Reverence: Begin prayer with awe and respect for who God is, focusing on His attributes like holiness, love, and sovereignty.
• Live for God’s Glory: Reflect God’s character in our actions so that His name is honored through our lives (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• Defend God’s Reputation: Speak truthfully about God and avoid using His name casually or irreverently.
• Spread His Name: Share the gospel so that more people come to know and hallow God’s name (Matthew 28:19).

Theological Depth and Insight

To hallow God’s name is to align with His ultimate purpose: the glorification of His name throughout creation. The Bible repeatedly affirms that God acts for the sake of His name:

• Creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
• Salvation: “For my own sake…I will not yield my glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11).
• Judgment and Redemption: “Then the nations will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 36:23).

The holiness of God’s name also points to His unchanging character. In Revelation 4:8, the heavenly beings declare, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” This eternal truth underscores why God’s name is to be revered.

Broader Biblical Themes

The call to hallow God’s name ties into larger biblical themes:

• God’s Sovereignty: Recognizing God’s holiness reminds us of His authority over all things.
• The Mission of the Church: The spread of the gospel glorifies God’s name among the nations.
• Worship and Devotion: The Bible repeatedly calls for the exaltation of God’s name (Psalm 34:3, Psalm 100:4).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping believers hallow God’s name:

• Revealing God’s Holiness: The Spirit opens our eyes to the majesty and glory of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).
• Empowering Worship: The Spirit enables true worship, guiding us to honor God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
• Transforming Lives: By producing the fruit of the Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22-23), the Holy Spirit ensures our lives reflect God’s character and glorify His name.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In a culture that often trivializes or misrepresents God, praying “hallowed be thy name” reminds Christians to live counterculturally:

• Reverence in Worship: Approach God with humility and awe, avoiding a casual or flippant attitude in prayer.
• Christlike Living: Reflect God’s holiness in daily actions, pointing others to Him.
• Evangelism and Discipleship: Share the truth of God’s holiness and His love for humanity, fulfilling the Great Commission.

This prayer also offers hope. By calling for God’s name to be hallowed, we anticipate the day when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus embodies the holiness of God, perfectly revealing His character to the world (John 1:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus glorified the Father’s name, demonstrating God’s love and justice.

By teaching us to pray “hallowed be thy name,” Jesus invites us into His mission: to glorify the Father and make His name known. Through Christ, we experience the holiness of God as both awe-inspiring and approachable, enabling us to draw near with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does recognizing God’s holiness affect the way you pray and worship?
2. What steps can you take to reflect God’s character and honor His name in your daily life?
3. How can the Holy Spirit help you grow in reverence for God’s name?
4. In what ways can you share the truth of God’s holiness with others?
5. How does Jesus’ life and sacrifice reveal the meaning of hallowing God’s name?

May this reflection deepen your understanding of God’s holiness and inspire you to honor His name in every area of your life.