Debts or Trespasses?

If you’ve ever been at a funeral or wedding where the Lord’s Prayer was used, there’s often an awkward moment in the fifth petition where half the congregation prays that God would forgive our “debts” while the other half says “trespasses.” And often, in response to this, people ask, “Who’s right?” There’s actually a very simple answer to this.

The Greek word in question is ofeilēma, and there is no question that it means “debts.” So that was the word the King James translators used when they got to Matthew 6. Presbyterian and Baptist churches have never had formal liturgies, so when they prayed the Lord’s Prayer, they pulled it straight from the Bible. Hence, we say debts.

However, the King James was not the first English translation of the Bible. When William Tyndale first translated the New Testament, he used the word “trespasses.” Now, while “debts” is technically more accurate, Tyndale’s translation is perfectly reasonable–Jesus is clearly referring to sin in either case. But in 1549 (over 50 years before the King James translation existed), the Church of England put Tyndale’s translation in their new service book, the Book of Common Prayer. In America today, both Episcopalians and Methodists, being the theological descendants of the Church of England, use the word trespasses. Roman Catholic Church has also adopted this language.

So at the end of day, we have two English traditions. Ours comes from the King James Bible, and the other comes from the Tyndale Bible. Though “debts” is a slightly more accurate translation, there are no major theological motivations for choosing one or the other. Just be sure to pay attention next time you’re at a wedding or funeral in another church!

Updates

Be sure to grab a PROMISS bottle to turn in by Father’s Day.
Our mid-week studies continue to meet at 5:30 on Wednesday. Feel free to join us even if you can only jump in for a week.

Your friend in Christ,
Reid