Jeopardy! is known for its brainy contestants tackling tough questions, but even the simplest ones can sometimes stump them. In a recent episode, a seemingly easy clue about the Lord’s Prayer left all three players baffled — surprising many viewers, especially those familiar with the prayer.
During the June 13 episode, host Mayim Bialik presented a $200 clue in the category “Dadjectives.”
“Matthew 6:9 says, ‘Our Father Which Art In Heaven’, This ‘Be Thy Name.’”
The correct response, “hallowed” (or “what is hallowed” in Jeopardy! terms), seemed straightforward to those who learned the prayer in Sunday School.
Viewers were taken aback that none of the contestants knew this widely recited Christian prayer:
“Not one contestant on Jeopardy last night knew the answer to this…Are you waking up yet?” tweeted one viewer.
Not one contestant on Jeopardy last night knew the answer to this…..
— Mimi Joeckle (@cantcancelmimi) June 14, 2023
Are you waking up yet? pic.twitter.com/bBIhVntHwd
Others expressed their surprise:
“The Lord’s Prayer growing up was like knowing The Pledge of Allegiance. You just did,” remarked a tweet.
Some speculated on the broader implications:
“While it may not be a sign of the end times, it DEFINITELY speaks volumes about Americans and their faith…or lack of,” wrote another viewer.
Jeopardy and The Lord's Prayer.
— NC_Boy59 (@NCBoy59) June 14, 2023
While it may not be a sign of the end times, if DEFINITELY speaks volumes about Americans and their faith…or lack of.
Amidst the reactions, there was humor and empathy:
“I’m an atheist and even I knew the answer to that Lord’s prayer question,” joked one Twitter user.
The contestants’ miss sparked further discussion:
“How can those Jeopardy! nerds not know this answer. Have they never listened to Iron Maiden?” quipped another, referring to the band’s song “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
How can those Jeopardy! nerds not know this answer. Have they never listened to Iron Maiden? pic.twitter.com/Z0sWeR8zBv
— Böb Jänke: Hönkÿ (@Bob_Janke) June 15, 2023
https://t.co/TqIYw2JBlW pic.twitter.com/4VCgEfcBxu
— find tyler huckabee on bluesky (@TylerHuckabee) June 16, 2023
While the moment surprised many, some viewers offered understanding:
“Two of the contestants had negative scores, and may have been playing it safe,” noted one viewer.
Jeopardy! often features questions on Christianity and the Bible, challenging contestants from diverse backgrounds. It’s possible these players didn’t share the same religious upbringing as many viewers.
I'm sure somewhere evilgelicals are going to whine about people not knowing the answer and then say there is a war on Christianity (there isn't one). People are entitled to their own beliefs. It doesn't have to be the one you have…damn.https://t.co/QZJItqmWhB
— KT (@sloyoroll01973) June 16, 2023
Despite the missed prayer clue, the contestants fared better with other topics, such as ’70s movies. Suresh Krishnan clinched victory with his knowledge of John Travolta’s films, extending his winning streak to 6 games.
What’s your take on these Jeopardy! contestants missing the Lord’s Prayer? Share your thoughts on this surprising moment!
