The Meaning of Luke 11:3 Explained

Luke 11:3

KJV: Give us day by day our daily bread.

YLT: our appointed bread be giving us daily;

Darby: give us our needed bread for each day;

ASV: Give us day by day our daily bread.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Give  us  day  by day  our  daily  bread. 

What does Luke 11:3 Mean?

Study Notes

day by day
Or, for the day.

Verse Meaning

The third petition, the first one in the second group of petitions, deals with the disciples" provisions. The parallel request in Matthew has the aorist tense indicating a simple act of giving ( Matthew 6:11), but this one has the present tense suggesting a continuing daily provision. The ideas are complementary rather than contradictory.
Matthew"s prayer also has "today" stressing the present need whereas Luke"s prayer has "each day" pointing to the disciples" continuing need for God"s supply. "Daily" (Gr. epiousion) not only means day by day but also carries the connotation of sufficient or necessary. [1] This idea may be primary in epiousion here since "each day" has already expressed the idea of God providing day by day.
"Bread" (Gr. artos) frequently represents food generally and probably does here too (cf. Luke 7:33; John 13:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). Thus it is improbable that Jesus meant that disciples should only request the barest necessities of life. The Jews in the wilderness learned to trust God for their food day by day ( Exodus 16:4; Deuteronomy 8:6-10). People in Jesus" day normally received their pay daily, so they understood this need too. It may be harder for us to remember that we are dependent on God for our daily sustenance since most of us do not live from hand to mouth so literally. Nevertheless we live in a state of continual dependence on God (cf. John 15:5). This petition should remind us of that.

Context Summary

Luke 11:1-4 - Learning The Lord's Secrets
This Bethany idyl follows the story of the Good Samaritan naturally. The village lay at the end of the long pass from Jericho. Love must have its nest and the special objects of its tender care. We cannot live in the inn always; we must come at last to our home, either in this world or the next. He who had welcomed the crowds was now welcomed for His own dear sake. Martha and Mary each gave of her best. Each had her own sphere; one ministered to His physical need, the other to His heart. The mystical and practical are both required in Christ's service, and blend at His feet. Don't live for many things; but for Him.
The way to teach people to pray is to pray yourself. It was the habitual prayerfulness of Jesus that made the Apostles long to be taught to pray. What an example is here of the power of unconscious influence! If you desire that your children or scholars should pray, pray yourself. The model prayer is full of suggestion as to the order and topics of prayer. Fill in these outlines! [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 11

1  Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;
11  assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him
14  He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;
27  and shows who are blessed;
29  preaches to the people;
37  and reprimands the outward show of holiness

Greek Commentary for Luke 11:3

Daily bread [τὸν ἄρτον τὸν ἐπιούσιον]
Great differences of opinion exist among commentators as to the strict meaning of the word rendered daily. The principal explanations are the following:1.From ἐπιέναι , to come on. Hence,a. The coming, or to-morrow's bread. b.Daily: regarding the days in their future succession. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
c.Continual. d.Yet to come, applied to Christ, the Bread of life, who is to come hereafter.2.From ἐπί and οὐσία , being. Hence,a.For our sustenance (physical), and so necessary. b. For our essential life (spiritual). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
c. Above all being, hence pre-eminent, excellent. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
d. Abundant.It would be profitless to the English reader to go into the discussion. A scholar is quoted as saying that the term is “the rack of theologians and grammarians.” A satisfactory discussion must assume the reader's knowledge of Greek. Those who are interested in the question will find it treated by Tholuck (“Sermon on the Mount”), and also very exhaustively by Bishop Lightfoot (“On a Fresh Revision of the New Testament”). The latter adopts the derivation from ἐπιέναι , to come on, and concludes by saying, “the familiar rendering, daily, which has prevailed uninterruptedly in the Western Church from the beginning, is a fairly adequate representation of the original; nor, indeed, does the English language furnish any one word which would answer the purpose so well.” The rendering in the margin of Rev. is, our bread for the coming day. It is objected to this that it contradicts the Lord's precept in Matthew 6:34:, not to be anxious for the morrow. But the word does not necessarily mean the morrow. “If the prayer were said in the evening, no doubt it would mean the following day; but supposing it to be used before dawn, it would designate the day then breaking” (the coming day). “And further, if the command not to be anxious is tantamount to a prohibition against prayer for the object about which we are forbidden to be anxious, then not only must we not pray for to-morrow's food, but we must not pray for food at all; since the Lord bids us (Matthew 6:25) not to be anxious for our life ” (Lightfoot, condensed). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 11:3

Matthew 23:23 These ye ought [ταυτα εδει]
Jesus does not condemn tithing. What he does condemn is doing it to the neglect of the weightier matters The Pharisees were externalists; cf. Luke 11:39-44. [source]
Matthew 23:23 weightier matters [τα βαρυτερα]
The Pharisees were externalists; cf. Luke 11:39-44. [source]
Matthew 6:11 Our daily bread [τον αρτον ημων τον επιουσιον]
This adjective “daily” It clearly comes from επι — epi and ιων — iōn But the adjective επιουσιος — epiousios is rare and Origen said it was made by the Evangelists Matthew and Luke to reproduce the idea of an Aramaic original. Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary say: “The papyri have as yet shed no clear light upon this difficult word (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3), which was in all probability a new coinage by the author of the Greek Q to render his Aramaic Original” (this in 1919). Deissmann claims that only about fifty purely New Testament or “Christian” words can be admitted out of the more than 5,000 used. “But when a word is not recognizable at sight as a Jewish or Christian new formation, we must consider it as an ordinary Greek word until the contrary is proved. Επιουσιος — Epiousios has all the appearance of a word that originated in trade and traffic of the everyday life of the people (cf. my hints in Neutestamentliche Studien Georg Heinrici dargebracht, Leipzig, 1914, pp. 118f.). The opinion here expressed has been confirmed by A. Debrunner‘s discovery (Theol. Lit. Ztg. 1925, Colossians. 119) of επιουσιος — epiousios in an ancient housekeeping book” (Light from the Ancient East, New ed. 1927, p. 78 and note 1). So then it is not a word coined by the Evangelist or by Q to express an Aramaic original. The word occurs also in three late MSS. after 2 Maccabees 1:8, τους επιουσιους — tous epiousious after τους αρτους — tous artous The meaning, in view of the kindred participle (επιουσηι — epiousēi) in Acts 16:12, seems to be “for the coming day,” a daily prayer for the needs of the next day as every housekeeper understands like the housekeeping book discovered by Debrunner. [source]
Matthew 6:22 Single [απλους]
Used of a marriage contract when the husband is to repay the dowry “pure and simple” There are various other instances of such usage. Here and in Luke 11:34 the eye is called “single” in a moral sense. The word means “without folds” like a piece of cloth unfolded, simplex in Latin. Bruce considers this parable of the eye difficult. “The figure and the ethical meaning seem to be mixed up, moral attributes ascribed to the physical eye which with them still gives light to the body. This confusion may be due to the fact that the eye, besides being the organ of vision, is the seat of expression, revealing inward dispositions.” The “evil” eye The passage may be elliptical with something to be supplied. If our eyes are healthy we see clearly and with a single focus (without astigmatism). If the eyes are diseased (bad, evil), they may even be cross-eyed or cock-eyed. We see double and confuse our vision. We keep one eye on the hoarded treasures of earth and roll the other proudly up to heaven. Seeing double is double-mindedness as is shown in Matthew 6:24. [source]
Mark 7:4 Wash themselves [βαπτίσωνται]
Two of the most important manuscripts, however, read ῥαντίσωνται , sprinkled themselves. See Rev., in margin. This reading is adopted by Westcott and Herr. The American Revisers insist on bathe, instead of wash, already used as a translation of νίψωνται (Mark 7:3). The scope of this work does not admit of our going into the endless controversy to which this word has given rise. It will be sufficient to give the principal facts concerning its meaning and usage. In classical Greek the primary meaning is to merse. Thus Polybius (i., 51,6), describing a naval battle of the Romans and Carthaginians, says, “They sank ( ἐβάπτιζον ) many of the ships.” Josephus (“Jewish War,” 4., 3,3), says of the crowds which flocked into Jerusalem at the time of the siege, “They overwhelmed ( ἐβάπτισαν )-DIVIDER-
the city.” In a metaphorical sense Plato uses it of drunkenness: drowned in drink ( βεβαπτισμένοι , “Symposium,” 176); of a youth overwhelmed ( βαπτιζόμενον )-DIVIDER-
with the argument of his adversary (“Euthydemus,” 277). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In the Septuagint the verb occurs four times: Leviticus 11:32 (of vessels); Leviticus 11:40 (of clothes); Numbers 8:6, Numbers 8:7 (sprinkling with purifying water); Exodus 30:19, Exodus 30:21 (of washing hands and feet). The word appears to have been at that time the technical term for such washings (compare Luke 11:38; Hebrews 9:10; Mark 7:4), and could not therefore have been limited to the meaning immerse. Thus the washing of pots and vessels for ceremonial purification could not have been by plunging them in water, which would have rendered impure the whole body of purifying water. The word may be taken in the sense of washing or sprinkling. “The Teaching of the Apostles” (see on Matthew 10:10) throws light on the elastic interpretation of the term, in its directions for baptism. “Baptize - in living (i.e., running) water. But if thou hast not living water, baptize in other water; and if thou canst not in cold, then in warm. But if thou hast neither, pour water upon the head thrice into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Chap. VII.). [source]

Mark 13:24 Light [φέγγος]
The word is used in the New Testament wherever the light of the moon is referred to. Compare Matthew 24:29, the only other instance. It occurs also in Luke 11:33, but meaning the light of a lamp. [source]
Mark 12:13 That they might catch him in talk [ινα αυτον αγρευσωσιν λογωι]
Ingressive aorist subjunctive. The verb is late from αγρα — agra (a hunt or catching). It appears in the lxx and papyri. Here alone in the N.T. Luke 20:20 has the same idea, “that they may take hold of his speech” See discussion in Matthew. We have seen the scribes and Pharisees trying to do this very thing before (Luke 11:33.). Mark and Matthew note here the combination of Pharisees and Herodians as Mark did in Mark 3:6. Matthew speaks of “disciples” or pupils of the Pharisees while Luke calls them “spies” (ενκατετους — enkathetous). [source]
Mark 8:12 There shall no sign be given unto this generation [ει δοτησεται τηι γενεαι ταυτηι σημειον]
Matthew 16:4 has simply ου δοτησεται — ou dothēsetai plain negative with the future passive indicative. Mark has ει — ei instead of ου — ou which is technically a conditional clause with the conclusion unexpressed (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1024), really aposiopesis in imitation of the Hebrew use of ιμ — im This is the only instance in the N.T. except in quotations from the lxx (Hebrews 3:11; Hebrews 4:3, Hebrews 4:5). It is very common in the lxx. The rabbis were splitting hairs over the miracles of Jesus as having a possible natural explanation (as some critics do today) even if by the power of Beelzebub, and those not of the sky (from heaven) which would be manifested from God. So they put up this fantastic test to Jesus which he deeply resents. Matthew 16:4 adds “but the sign of Jonah” mentioned already by Jesus on a previous occasion (Matthew 12:39-41) at more length and to be mentioned again (Luke 11:32). But the mention of the sign of Jonah was “an absolute refusal of signs in their sense” (Bruce). And when he did rise from the dead on the third day, the Sanhedrin refused to be convinced (see Acts 3 to 5). [source]
Luke 24:4 Shining [ἀστραπτούσαις]
Only here and Luke 17:24, Akin to ἀστράπη , lightning. See on bright shining, Luke 11:36 and compare Luke 17:24. [source]
Luke 11:1 That []
. Not in the Greek, asyndeton Supply προσευχομενος — proseuchomenos (praying), complementary or supplementary participle.Teach us Jesus had taught them by precept (Matthew 6:7-15) and example (Luke 9:29). Somehow the example of Jesus on this occasion stirred them to fresh interest in the subject and to revival of interest in John‘s teachings (Luke 5:33). So Jesus gave them the substance of the Model Prayer in Matthew, but in shorter form. Some of the MSS. have one or all of the phrases in Matthew, but the oldest documents have it in the simplest form. See notes on Matthew 6:7-15 for discussion of these details (Father, hallowed, kingdom, daily bread, forgiveness, bringing us into temptation). In Matthew 6:11 “give” is dos (second aorist active imperative second singular, a single act) while here Luke 11:3 “give” is didou (present active imperative, both from δος — didōmi) and means, “keep on giving.” So in Luke 11:4 we have “For we ourselves also forgive” But the spirit of each prayer is the same. There is no evidence that Jesus meant either form to be a ritual. In both Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4 τα οπειληματα — mē eisenegkēis occurs (second aorist subjunctive with τας αμαρτιας — mē in prohibition, ingressive aorist). “Bring us not” is a better translation than “lead us not.” There is no such thing as God enticing one to sin (James 1:13). Jesus urges us to pray not to be tempted as in Luke 22:40 in Gethsemane. [source]
Luke 11:32 At the preaching of Jonah [εις το κηρυγμα Ιωνα]
Note this use of εις — eis as in Matthew 10:41; Matthew 12:41. Luke inserts the words about the Queen of the South (Luke 11:31) in between the discussion of Jonah (Luke 11:29., Luke 11:32). Both Σολομωνος — Solomōnos (Luke 11:31) and Ιωνα — Iōnā (Luke 11:32) are in the ablative case after the comparative πλειον — pleion (more, something more). [source]
Luke 11:34  []
Luke 11:34 is like Matthew 6:22 ., which see notes for details. [source]
Luke 19:47 Daily [το κατ ημεραν]
Note the accusative neuter article, “as to the according to the day,” very awkward English surely, but perfectly good Greek. The same idiom occurs in Luke 11:3.Sought (εζητουν — ezētoun). Imperfect active, conative imperfect, were seeking, trying to seek.The principal men of the people The first men of the people. The position after the verb and apart from the chief priests and the scribes calls special attention to them. Some of these “first men” were chief priests or scribes, but not all of them. The lights and leaders of Jerusalem were bent on the destruction (απολεσαι — apolesai) of Jesus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead brought them together for this action (John 11:47-53; John 12:9-11). [source]
Luke 11:1 Teach us [διδαχον ημας]
Jesus had taught them by precept (Matthew 6:7-15) and example (Luke 9:29). Somehow the example of Jesus on this occasion stirred them to fresh interest in the subject and to revival of interest in John‘s teachings (Luke 5:33). So Jesus gave them the substance of the Model Prayer in Matthew, but in shorter form. Some of the MSS. have one or all of the phrases in Matthew, but the oldest documents have it in the simplest form. See notes on Matthew 6:7-15 for discussion of these details (Father, hallowed, kingdom, daily bread, forgiveness, bringing us into temptation). In Matthew 6:11 “give” is dos (second aorist active imperative second singular, a single act) while here Luke 11:3 “give” is didou (present active imperative, both from δος — didōmi) and means, “keep on giving.” So in Luke 11:4 we have “For we ourselves also forgive” But the spirit of each prayer is the same. There is no evidence that Jesus meant either form to be a ritual. In both Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4 τα οπειληματα — mē eisenegkēis occurs (second aorist subjunctive with τας αμαρτιας — mē in prohibition, ingressive aorist). “Bring us not” is a better translation than “lead us not.” There is no such thing as God enticing one to sin (James 1:13). Jesus urges us to pray not to be tempted as in Luke 22:40 in Gethsemane. [source]
Luke 7:36 That he would eat with him [ινα παγηι μετ αυτου]
Second aorist active subjunctive. The use of ινα — hina after ερωταω — erōtaō (see also Luke 16:27) is on the border between the pure object clause and the indirect question (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1046) and the pure final clause. Luke has two other instances of Pharisees who invited Jesus to meals (Luke 11:37; Luke 14:1) and he alone gives them. This is the Gospel of Hospitality (Ragg). Jesus would dine with a Pharisee or with a publican (Luke 5:29; Mark 2:15; Matthew 9:10) and even invited himself to be the guest of Zaccheus (Luke 9:5). This Pharisee was not as hostile as the leaders in Jerusalem. It is not necessary to think this Pharisee had any sinister motive in his invitation though he was not overly friendly (Plummer). [source]
John 1:9 Lighteth [φωτίζει]
See on shineth, John 1:5, and compare Luke 11:35, Luke 11:36. [source]
John 16:32 Cometh [ερχεται]
Futuristic present middle indicative of ερχομαι — erchomai Yea, is come Explanatory use of και — kai and the perfect active indicative as in John 12:23. The long-looked-for hour See John 16:2 for this same use of ινα — hina (not οτε — hote) with ερχομαι ωρα — erchomai hōra Ye shall be scattered First aorist passive subjunctive of σκορπιζω — skorpizō used in John 10:12 of sheep scampering from the wolf. Cf. Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:33. To his own “To his own home” as in John 1:11; John 19:27. So Appian VI. 23. Shall leave Second aorist subjunctive of απιημι — aphiēmi with ινα — hina And yet Clear case of και — kai in adversative sense, not just “and.” [source]
John 21:12 Break your fast [αριστησατε]
First aorist active imperative of αρισταω — aristaō from αριστον — ariston first to breakfast, as here and then later to dine as in Luke 11:37. What a delightful breakfast of fresh broiled fish just caught (John 21:10) with the hush of joyful surprise in the presence of the Risen Lord. Durst (ετολμα — etolma) Imperfect active of τολμαω — tolmaō The restraint of silence continued. [source]
John 1:9 There was [ην]
Imperfect indicative. Emphatic position at the beginning of the sentence and so probably not periphrastic conjugation with ερχομενον — erchomenon (coming) near the end, though that is possible. The true light “The light the genuine,” not a false light of wreckers of ships, but the dependable light that guides to the harbor of safety. This true light had been on hand all the time in the darkness Added in the English to make plain this interpretation. Lighteth every man Old verb (from πως — phōs) to give light as in Revelation 22:5; Luke 11:35. The Quakers appeal to this phrase for their belief that to every man there is given an inner light that is a sufficient guide, the Quaker‘s text it is called. But it may only mean that all the real light that men receive comes from Christ, not necessarily that each one receives a special revelation. Coming This present middle participle of ερχομαι — erchomai can be taken with αντρωπον — anthrōpon just before (accusative masculine singular), “every man as he comes into the world.” It can also be construed with πως — phōs (nominative neuter singular). This idea occurs in John 3:19; John 11:27; John 12:46. In the two last passages the phrase is used of the Messiah which makes it probable here. But even so the light presented in John 11:27; John 12:46 is that of the Incarnate Messiah, not the Pre-incarnate Logos. Here κοσμος — kosmos rather than παντα — panta occurs in the sense of the orderly universe as often in this Gospel. See Ephesians 1:4. [source]
John 5:28 In the tombs [εν τοις μνημειοις]
Ταπος — Taphos (grave) presents the notion of burial Jesus claims not only the power of life (spiritual) and of judgment, but of power to quicken the actual dead at the Last Day. They will hear his voice and come out A general judgment and a general bodily resurrection we have here for both good and bad as in Matthew 25:46; Acts 24:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and as often implied in the words of Jesus (Matthew 5:29.; Matthew 10:28; Luke 11:32). In John 6:39 Jesus asserts that he will raise up the righteous. [source]
Acts 9:3 There shined round about [περιήστραψεν]
Only here and Acts 22:6. Flashed. See on Luke 11:36; Luke 24:4. [source]
Acts 4:4 Men [ανδρων]
Strictly, men and not women, for αντρωπος — anthrōpos is the term for both men and women. But in Luke 11:31 ανδρες — andres seems to include both men and women and that is possible here, though by no means certain, for see note on Matthew 14:21 where the women and children are expressly excepted. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:17 If the whole body were an eye [ει ολον το σωμα οπταλμος]
The eye is the most wonderful organ and supremely useful (Numbers 10:31), the very light of the body (Luke 11:34). And yet how grotesque it would be if there were nothing else but a great round rolling eye! A big “I” surely! [source]
Galatians 6:1 Considering [σκοπῶν]
Only in Paul, except Luke 11:35. The verb means to look attentively; to fix the attention upon a thing with an interest in it. See Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Philemon 2:4; Philemon 3:17. Hence, often, to aim at (comp. σκοπὸν mark Philemon 3:14). Schmidt (Syn.) defines: “To direct one's attention upon a thing, either in order to obtain it, or because one has a peculiar interest in it, or a duty to fulfill toward it. Also to have an eye to with a view of forming a right judgment.” Notice the passing to the singular number - “considering thyself.” The exhortation is addressed to the conscience of each. Before you deal severely with the erring brother, consider your own weakness and susceptibility to temptation, and restore him in view of that fact. [source]
Galatians 1:6 I marvel [θαυμάζω]
Often by Greek orators of surprise as something reprehensible. So in New Testament Mark 6:6; John 7:21; Luke 11:38; John 4:27. [source]
Hebrews 11:4 A more excellent sacrifice [πλείονα θυσίαν]
Greater in value in God's eyes. For πλείων in this sense, see Hebrews 3:3; Matthew 6:25; Luke 11:31; Luke 12:23. In Paul never in this sense. Others explain a more abundant sacrifice, referring to the material character of the offerings. See Genesis 4:4. But the difference between the offerings of Abel and Cain, considered in themselves, is largely a matter of speculation, and, as Lünemann justly remarks, such an interpretation accentuates unduly a purely external feature. [source]
Hebrews 10:34 Spoiling [ἁρπαγὴν]
Only here Matthew 23:25; Luke 11:39. Allied with ἁρπάζειν tosnatch away. [source]
Hebrews 6:4 As touching those who were once enlightened [τους απαχ πωτιστεντας]
First aorist passive articular participle (the once for all enlightened) of ποτιζω — photizō old and common verb (from πως — phōs) as in Luke 11:36. The metaphorical sense here (cf. John 1:9; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 10:32) occurs in Polybius and Epictetus. The accusative case is due to ανακαινιζειν — anakainizein in Hebrews 6:6. απαχ — Hapax here is “once for all,” not once upon a time Tasted of the heavenly gift First aorist middle participle of γευω — geuō old verb once with accusative (Hebrews 6:5, καλον ρημα δυναμεις — kalon rēma class="normal greek">μετοχους πνευματος αγιου — dunameis), usually with genitive (Hebrews 2:9) as here. Partakers of the Holy Ghost (μετοχοι — metochous pneumatos hagiou). See Hebrews 3:14 for και παραπεσοντας — metochoi These are all given as actual spiritual experiences. And then fell away (παραπιπτω — kai parapesontas). No “then” here, though the second aorist (effective) active participle of της χαριτος εχεπεσατε — parapiptō old verb to fall beside (aside), means that. Only here in N.T. In Galatians 5:4 we have tēs charitos exepesate (ye fell out of grace, to law, Paul means). [source]
1 John 4:17 The day of judgment [τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς κρίσεως]
Lit., the day of judgment. The exact phrase occurs here only. Ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως dayof judgment, without the articles, is found Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:22, Matthew 11:24; Matthew 12:36; 2 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:7. The day is called the great day of their wrath (Revelation 6:17); the day of wrath and of revelation of the righteous judgement of God (Romans 2:5); the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:12); the last day (John 6:39, John 6:40, John 6:44, John 6:54); that day (Matthew 7:22; Luke 6:23; Luke 10:12). The judgment is found Matthew 12:41, Matthew 12:42; Luke 10:14; Luke 11:31, Luke 11:32. [source]
Revelation 21:23 Did lighten it [επωτισεν αυτην]
First aorist active indicative of πωτιζω — phōtizō to illumine, old verb from πως — phōs (Luke 11:36). If the sun and moon did shine, they would give no added light in the presence of the Shekinah Glory of God. See Revelation 21:11 for “the glory of God.” Cf. Revelation 18:1; Revelation 21:3. “Their splendour is simply put to shame by the glory of God Himself” (Charles).And the lamp thereof is the Lamb (και ο λυχνος αυτης το αρνιον — kai ho luchnos autēs to arnion). Charles takes ο λυχνος — ho luchnos as predicate, “and the Lamb is the lamp thereof.” Bousset thinks that John means to compare Christ to the moon the lesser light (Genesis 1:16), but that contrast is not necessary. Swete sees Christ as the one lamp for all in contrast with the many λυχνιαι — luchniai of the churches on earth (Revelation 1:12, Revelation 1:20). “No words could more clearly demonstrate the purely spiritual character of St. John‘s conception of the New Jerusalem” (Swete). [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 11:3 mean?

The bread of us - daily give us - each day
Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δίδου ἡμῖν τὸ καθ’ ἡμέραν

ἄρτον  bread 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄρτος  
Sense: food composed of flour mixed with water and baked.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἐπιούσιον  daily 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπιούσιος  
Sense: word found in the phrase.
δίδου  give 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
ἡμῖν  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καθ’  each 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
ἡμέραν  day 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.