The Use of the Informal “You” in the Lord’s Prayer
In many languages, there is a distinction between formal and informal forms of “you,” depending on the level of respect or familiarity implied. For instance, languages like German, Spanish, Korean, and Farsi have a formal version of “you” (used with elders, strangers, or those of higher status) and an informal version (used with close friends, family, or equals). However, an interesting exception arises in religious contexts, particularly in prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer, where the informal “you” is often used to address God, despite His supreme status. This practice contrasts with how formal language is typically reserved for addressing kings, elders, or figures of high authority.
The Use of Informal “You” for God
English
The Lord’s Prayer begins, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” The pronoun thy is archaic but was originally an informal form of “your,” reflecting an intimate relationship with God rather than formality.
Spanish
“Santificado sea tu nombre” (Hallowed be your name) uses the informal “tú” rather than the formal “usted.” Despite God’s exalted status, Spanish-speaking Christians use tú, reinforcing a personal connection.
German
“Geheiligt werde dein” Name” (Hallowed be Your name) uses the informal “dein” rather than the formal “Ihr.” In German, the informal “du” is reserved for close relationships, underscoring the personal nature of faith.
Korean
While Korean has very formal distinctions in speech, Christian prayers typically use the informal “당신” (dangsin) or even omit formalities altogether, expressing intimacy with God.
Farsi
In Farsi, “to” (informal) is used to address God in prayer, rather than “shoma” (formal), which is otherwise used for elders and respected figures.
A Personal Experience
When I pray in Farsi, I call God “Baba Joon” (a loving term for “Father”). Traditionally, I have only used Baba Joon with the formal “shoma”when speaking to my father or grandfather. To use “to” instead felt foreign at first. Yet, as I prayed more in Farsi, I realized something profound: the Creator, my Father, invites me into a relationship of unparalleled closeness. Amazing!!!
Jesus Revealed the Father in a Personal Way
The use of the informal “you” in prayer reflects Jesus’ revelation of God as Father.
John 20:17:
“Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 17:3:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
John 17:21:
“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
Romans 8, Galatians, and 1 John: A Family Relationship with God
Romans 8:15-16:
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Galatians 4:6-7:
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”
1 John 3:1:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 4:15-16:
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we have come to know and to believe the love God has for us.”
Why the Informal “You”?
Despite God’s supreme authority, believers address Him with informal language in prayer. This choice reflects: - **Intimacy and Relationship** – God is not merely a distant King but a loving Father. The informal “you” signifies warmth, trust, and closeness. - **A Personal Connection** – Christians are invited to approach God directly, without formal barriers. - **A Tradition of Reverence** – Using informal language does not diminish God’s greatness but highlights the humility and childlike faith of the believer.
Conclusion
The use of the informal “you” in prayers across languages like English, Spanish, German, Korean, and Farsi reflects the deeply personal nature of the believer’s relationship with God. Jesus revealed God not as a distant deity, but as a loving Father who longs for a close, personal connection with His children. His words to Mary Magdalene in John 20:17—“I am ascending to my Father and your Father”—affirm that believers share in Jesus’ relationship with God. As Paul and John affirm, believers are not merely servants—they are sons and daughters, heirs to His kingdom, and deeply loved.