{Use not vain repetitions} (m(8820)battalog(8873)(8874)e). Used of
stammerers who repeat the words, then mere babbling or
chattering, empty repetition. The etymology is uncertain, but it
is probably onomatopoetic like "babble." The worshippers of Baal
on Mount Carmel ( 1Ki 8:26 ) and of Diana in the amphitheatre at
Ephesus who yelled for two hours ( Ac 19:34 ) are examples. The
Mohammedans may also be cited who seem to think that they "will
be heard for their much speaking" (en t(8869) polulogi(8369)). Vincent
adds "and the Romanists with their _paternosters_ and _avast_."
The Syriac Sinaitic has it: "Do not be saying idle things."
Certainly Jesus does not mean to condemn all repetition in prayer
since he himself prayed three times in Gethsemane "saying the
same words again" ( Mt 26:44 ). "As the Gentiles do," says Jesus.
"The Pagans thought that by endless repetitions and many words
they would inform their gods as to their needs and weary them
('_fatigare deos_') into granting their requests" (Bruce).