Matthew 6:8 is the eighth verse of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. This verse continues the discussion on the proper procedure for praying. Content In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. The World English Bible translates the passage as: Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. The Novum Testamentum Graece text is: μὴ οὖν ὁμοιωθῆτε αὐτοῖς οἶδεν γὰρ ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὧν χρείαν ἔχετε πρὸ τοῦ ὑμᾶς αἰτῆσαι αὐτόν. For a collection of other versions see here: Analysis Jesus has just condemned the lengthy prayers of the Gentiles, and in this verse states that such prayers are unnecessary as God is aware of a person's desire even before they ask. A similar statement is made at . This raises the question of why prayer is even necessary at all, and this issue has been much discussed by theologians. The most common view is that while God does not need prayer, humans do. Hendriksen states that while God clearly does not need the actual act of prayer, each person does need such an outlet to bare their soul. Fowler believes this use of the term "your Father" is meant to enhance this fatherly aspect of God. According to Schweizer prayer is a gift from God for the comfort of humans, not an action performed to seek a reward. Fowler presents an alternate thesis that what Jesus is saying here is that, unlike in pagan prayers, there is no need to persuade or cajole God in prayer, God already knows all one's needs and a simple and sincere prayer would be the most effective. Commentary from the Church Fathers Augustine: For we use many words then when we have to instruct one who is in ignorance, what need of them to Him who is Creator of all things; Your heavenly Father knoweth what ye have need of before you ask Him. Jerome: On this there starts up a heresy of certain Philosophers who taught the mistaken dogma, that If God knows for what we shall pray, and, before we ask, knows what we need, our prayer is needlessly made to one