During a recent episode of Jeopardy! aired on June 13, 2023, fans were left stunned when all three contestants were unable to answer a seemingly simple question about the Lord’s Prayer. The $200 clue, posed by host Mayim Bialik, referenced Matthew 6:9: “Our Father, which art in heaven, [this] be thy name.” The correct answer, “hallowed,” stumped the contestants, and their silence ignited a wave of social media reactions.
Many viewers expressed disbelief that none of the contestants could recall one of the most widely known Christian prayers, with some pointing out that even children are taught the Lord’s Prayer at an early age. One Twitter user commented, “My 5-year-old niece got the answer!” Others took the moment more lightly, making jokes about the contestants missing such a basic question. Some even referenced the 1982 heavy metal track by Iron Maiden, “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” joking that at least the contestants should have known the answer from the song.
Despite the widespread surprise, this incident also spurred broader discussions about the nature of trivia on Jeopardy! and whether the game show includes too many Bible-related questions. Some saw the contestants’ inability to answer as a reflection of declining religious knowledge in the United States, while others dismissed the moment as an example of trivia simply going awry.
This particular episode joins a long history of Jeopardy! “triple stumpers,” where none of the contestants buzz in with a correct response. While this occurrence was unusual due to the familiarity of the question, it wasn’t the first time Jeopardy! has caused a stir with religious or cultural topics. Previous controversies include questions regarding the birthplace of Jesus and the authorship of biblical texts.
The viral moment, with viewers from all walks of life chiming in, underscores how Jeopardy! remains a focal point of cultural commentary, often transcending mere trivia. Whether it’s biblical references, movie quotes, or history questions, Jeopardy! continues to captivate audiences while occasionally sparking intense debates.