But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, х mee (G3361) battologeeseete (G945)]. 'Babble not' would be a better rendering, both for the form of the word-which in both languages is intended to imitate the sound-and for the sense, which expresses not so much the repetition of the same words as a senseless multiplication of them; as appears from what follows.
As the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. This method of pagan devotion is still observed by Hindu and Mohammedan devotees. With the Jews, says Lightfoot, it was a maxim, that 'Everyone who multiplies prayer is heard.' In the Church of Rome, not only is it carried to a shameless extent, but, as Tholuck justly observes, the very Prayer which our Lord gave as an antidote to vain repetitious is the most abused to this superstitious end; the number of times it is repeated counting for so much more merit. Is not this just that characteristic feature of pagan devotion which our Lord here condemns? But praying much, and using at times the same words, is not here condemned, and has the example of our Lord Himself in its favour.