Definition and Context
Repetitions in the Bible often refer to the use of repeated phrases, words, or themes within the Scriptures. These repetitions can serve various purposes, such as emphasizing a particular point, aiding in memorization, or highlighting the importance of a message. In the context of prayer, Jesus specifically addresses the issue of "vain repetitions" in the Sermon on the Mount.

Biblical References

1. Vain Repetitions in Prayer
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus instructs His followers on how to pray, cautioning against the use of "vain repetitions" as the Gentiles do: "And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard." . This admonition suggests that prayer should be sincere and heartfelt, rather than a mechanical recitation of words.

2. Repetition for Emphasis
Repetition is also used in Scripture to emphasize key truths. For example, in Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." . The thrice-repeated "holy" underscores the absolute holiness of God, a central attribute of His divine nature.

3. Repetition in Psalms
The Psalms frequently employ repetition to reinforce themes of praise, lament, and supplication. Psalm 136 is a notable example, where the phrase "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, highlighting God's enduring mercy and faithfulness.

4. Repetition in Teaching
Jesus often used repetition in His teachings to ensure understanding and retention. In John 3:3, He emphasizes the necessity of being born again: "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." . The double "truly" (or "amen, amen" in Greek) serves to underscore the importance and truth of His statement.

5. Repetition in Prophecy
Prophetic books often contain repeated themes and phrases to convey the certainty of God's promises and judgments. In the book of Ezekiel, the phrase "Then you will know that I am the LORD" is repeated numerous times, affirming God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word.

Theological Implications

Repetitions in the Bible are not merely literary devices but carry significant theological weight. They serve to draw attention to God's attributes, His covenantal faithfulness, and the essential truths of the Christian faith. The use of repetition in prayer, worship, and teaching reflects a deep engagement with the divine message, encouraging believers to internalize and live out the truths of Scripture.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the role of repetition in the Bible can enhance personal study and spiritual growth. Recognizing repeated themes and phrases can lead to a deeper appreciation of God's word and its application in daily life. In prayer, avoiding vain repetitions encourages a more genuine and intimate communication with God, aligning one's heart with His will.Repetitions

In prayers, which our Saviour censures, Matthew 6:7, were short forms or particular expressions in prayer, which the Jews were accustomed to repeat a certain number of times. So Roman-catholics still repeat the Lord's prayer, Ave Marias, etc., a great number of times; and think that the oftener a prayer is repeated, the more meritorious and efficacious it is. The repeated cry of a soul in earnest is indeed welcome to God, Genesis 18:1-33; Matthew 26:44; Luke 18:1; but he regards the heart and not the lips; and the greater the number of prayers one repeats as a task by which to acquire merit, the greater his sin.

REPETITIONS

rep-e-tish'-unz: In Matthew 6:7 only, "Use not vain repetitions," for battalogeo (so Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus), a word found nowhere else and spelled variously in the manuscripts, battologeo in Codices K, L, M; etc., batologeo in Codices F G, blattologeo in Codex Bezae (probably influenced by the Latin blatero, "talk idly"); presumably connected with battarizo, "stammer," and perhaps formed under the influence of the Aramaic beta', "speak carelessly," or baTel, "useless." Whether, however battalogeo means the constant repetition of the same phrase or the mechanical recitation of a long series of obscure or meaningless formulas (if, indeed, a distinction between the acts was thought of) cannot be determined. Either practice is abundantly evidenced as a "heathen" custom of the day, and either can be classed as "much speaking."

See PRAYER.

Burton Scott Easton

945. battalogeo -- to stammer
... use vain repetitions. From Battos (a proverbial stammerer) and logos; to stutter,
ie (by implication) to prate tediously -- use vain repetitions. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/945.htm - 6k

The Sermon on the Mount.
... Jesus found a prayer-chamber upon the mountain-top and in the garden.] 7 And in
praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 5.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the Heathen do: For they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 26 upon our lords.htm

Preface
... Many of the subjects, are so nearly coincident, that repetitions could not
be always avoided, without the appearance of affectation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/preface.htm

Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... This passage, especially in its concise Greek form, which as usual is devoid of
the repetitions of titles and other redundant phrases in the Hebrew text, bears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

Method and Aim of this Modernization
... Repetitions, especially of words and phrases, are even more constant in this version
than in the original, while some of the forms and spelling he employs make ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/method and aim of this.htm

Sources of the Pentateuch.
... The repetitions, the discrepancies, the anachronisms, and the errors which the writing
certainly contains prove that it could not have been dictated, word for ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iii sources of the.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... while many centuries were lost in repetitions and transcriptions sealing
up the book of knowledge. And therefore rather than to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm

Psalm III.
... them which are asleep." [52] Nor need we make any question why it is added, "took
rest," seeing that it has already been said, "I slept." Repetitions of this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iii.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... Importunity, it may be repeated, is a condition of prayer. We are to press the
matter, not with vain repetitions, but with urgent repetitions. ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

Worship
... to catch his notice, and put yourselves to torment (as they did, and as many a
Christian has done since) to move his pity; and you must use repetitions as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon vi worship.htm

Repetitions (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia REPETITIONS. rep ... Burton Scott Easton.
Multi-Version Concordance Repetitions (1 Occurrence). Matthew ...
/r/repetitions.htm - 7k

Repetition (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for
they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. ...
/r/repetition.htm - 7k

Leviticus (1 Occurrence)
... among different authors. (a) Alleged Repetitions: We find in the parts belonging
to Pa number of so-called repetitions. In Leviticus ...
/l/leviticus.htm - 42k

Vain (141 Occurrences)
... Vain (141 Occurrences). Matthew 6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the
Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. ...
/v/vain.htm - 36k

Needless (3 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 "And when praying, do not use needless repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words. (WEY). ...
/n/needless.htm - 7k

Listened (120 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 "And when praying, do not use needless repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words. (WEY). ...
/l/listened.htm - 36k

Fold (23 Occurrences)
... 7. (v.) Times or repetitions; -- used with numerals, chiefly in composition, to
denote multiplication or increase in a geometrical ratio, the doubling, tripling ...
/f/fold.htm - 17k

Rephael (1 Occurrence)

/r/rephael.htm - 7k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for
they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. (See RSV). ...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Expect (20 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 "And when praying, do not use needless repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words. (WEY). ...
/e/expect.htm - 13k

What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Is there anything wrong with repetitive prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Lord's prayer and should we pray it? | GotQuestions.org

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