Without an infallible interpreter, the Bible is frequently misinterpreted. Non-Catholic and non-Eastern Orthodox Christian denominations frequently misinterpret Bible passages. Then they use their misinterpretations to question Catholics on their beliefs and practices. Matthew 6:7 is a perfect example. The King James Version (KJV) of Mt 6:7 reads, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” The KJV is an English Protestant translation of the Bible dating back to the early 17th century.

What do you think this “poorly” translated passage of Matthew from the KJV is saying?

While you’re thinking about my question, let me tell you why I call this a poorly translated Bible passage. It uses the words “use not vain repetition.” Many of our separated brothers and sisters (non-Catholic Christians) use this passage from the King James Bible to chastise Catholics for praying the Rosary. They’ll say, “Jesus tells us in the Bible that vain repetition of prayer is wrong. Why do you Catholics do what our Lord condemns?” Yes, when we pray the Rosary we repeat three prominent Christian prayers: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be; but praying the Rosary does not go against the teaching of Jesus. As members of the one true Church founded by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit, we would never do what Jesus condemns.

The KJV has been prominently used by Protestants since it came into existence nearly 400 years ago. Some Christian denominations today only use the KJV. Many of its passages are beautifully and accurately written; but its translation of Mt 6:7 leads to a misunderstanding of what Jesus is truly condemning. Jesus is not condemning vain repetitious prayer, He is condemning “babbling” prayer to fickle pagan gods and empty prayer that does not flow from the heart but is meant to impress God by the large volume of words used.

Let’s look at three Catholic translations and a current Protestant translation that more accurately translates Mt 6:7.

The Douay Rheims Version (DRV) of Mt 6:7 reads, “And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.” The DRV is an English Catholic translation of the Bible that also dates back to the early 17th century. Originally this translation was call the Douay Bible because it was translated in Douai, Belgium. It was later continued in Rheims. Thus it became known as the Douay Rheims translation.

The New American Bible (NAB) translation of Mt 6:7 reads, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.” The NAB is the modern day English translation of the Bible, approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is used in the United States for the Sacred Scripture readings at Mass.

The Revised Standard Version/Catholic Edition (RSV/CE) translation of Mt 6:7 reads, “And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” The RSV/CE is a highly respected English translation of the Bible. Many well-know and highly acclaimed scholars and theologians view it as one of the most accurate English translations of Sacred Scripture.

Finally, the New International Version (NIV) of Mt 6:7 reads, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” The NIV is a popular, contemporary, English Protestant translation conceived in 1965 and first published in its entirety in 1978. Additional changes were made to it in 1983. Unlike the KJV, this Protestant translation does not use the words “vain repetition.” Why? Because the original Greek of Matthew’s gospel did not use them.

If Jesus is condemning repetitious prayer in Mt 6:7, then He is giving it a pass in other Bible passages. In Mt 26:39, 42, 44, Jesus repeats the same prayer to His Father in heaven three times in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Mt 20:29-33, after hearing their “repetitive” prayer, Jesus heals two blind men as He leaves Jericho. These men repeated multiple times, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us.” My favorite example of repetitive prayer is taken from Rev 4:8. This passage tells us that the four living creatures stand before the Lamb of God in heaven and do not stop exclaiming day and night, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.” We proclaim the same words at every Mass.

If you want to see repetitive prayer, read Ps 136. All 26 verses end with “God’s love endures forever.” If these words flow from our heart when we pray them, God will hear our prayer and smile, regardless of how often we repeat our words.

For more insight read CCC paragraphs 114, 2558-2561, 2567, 2585-2589, 2591, 2596-2597, 2725. Also, pull out your “Catholic” Bible and reference 1 Kgs 18:26-29; Ps 136; Mt 6:5-8; 1 Cor 15:58.