Jeopardy! has been a beloved staple of American television for decades, renowned for challenging the sharpest minds with its tricky trivia questions. It’s a show where the brightest contestants compete to demonstrate their vast knowledge on a wide range of subjects. However, during a recent episode, even die-hard fans were left stunned when a seemingly simple question about the Lord’s Prayer left all three contestants stumped, sparking outrage among many viewers.

The incident occurred on the June 13 episode hosted by Mayim Bialik. The question came up in the category titled “Dadjectives” for a modest $200—typically one of the easiest clues on the board. The question was straightforward:

“Matthew 6:9 says, ‘Our Father Which Art In Heaven,’ This ‘Be Thy Name.’”

The correct response, which most people familiar with the Lord’s Prayer would instantly recognize, was “What is hallowed?” The line “Hallowed be Thy Name” is one of the most recited phrases in Christianity, commonly learned in Sunday school or church services. Yet, to the surprise of many viewers, none of the contestants buzzed in with the answer.

This surprising miss did not go unnoticed by the show’s fans, especially those with a Christian background. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, as viewers expressed their disbelief over how such a basic religious reference could baffle the contestants. One Twitter user wrote, “Not one contestant on Jeopardy! last night knew the answer to this… Are you waking up yet?” Another user remarked, “Growing up, the Lord’s Prayer was like knowing the Pledge of Allegiance. You just did.”

The incident seemed to strike a deeper chord, with some fans interpreting it as a reflection of a decline in religious knowledge in the United States. One particularly passionate tweet read, “While it may not be a sign of the end times, it DEFINITELY speaks volumes about Americans and their faith… or lack thereof.” For many, the failure to answer such a well-known question was seen as a sign of shifting cultural values.

While some reactions were serious, others took a more humorous approach to the situation. An atheist user joined the conversation, tweeting, “I’m an atheist, and even I knew the answer to that Lord’s Prayer question.” Another user quipped, “My 4-year-old niece got this right. Did the contestants never hear of the Lord’s Prayer?”

Adding a humorous twist, a fan jokingly referenced the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, saying, “How can those Jeopardy! nerds not know this answer? Have they never listened to Iron Maiden’s ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’?”

While many fans were bewildered that none of the contestants knew the answer, others suggested that their hesitation could have been due to strategy. Contestants on Jeopardy! are aware that an incorrect answer results in losing money, which can be a significant disadvantage in a close game. Given their low scores at that point in the game, it’s possible that two of the contestants opted to play it safe rather than risk falling further behind.

It’s also important to consider that Jeopardy! frequently includes questions related to religion and the Bible, and contestants typically perform well on such topics. However, this particular moment stood out because it involved one of the most commonly recited Christian prayers. The fact that none of the contestants responded correctly left many viewers questioning whether religious education is as widespread as it once was.

Some fans, however, were more sympathetic, pointing out that Jeopardy! features contestants from a variety of backgrounds. Not everyone grows up in a Christian environment, and it’s entirely possible that the three contestants simply weren’t exposed to the Lord’s Prayer in their upbringing. The show has always prided itself on welcoming participants from diverse walks of life, and not everyone has the same cultural or religious knowledge base.

Additionally, while the missed question was seen as an embarrassment by some, it’s worth remembering that Jeopardy! often poses questions that stump even the most knowledgeable contestants. The show’s format is designed to test a wide array of topics, and sometimes even the easiest questions can trip up contestants under pressure. In fact, the show has been criticized at times for leaning too heavily on Christian-themed questions, with some viewers feeling it may give an advantage to contestants familiar with those subjects.

In the end, the episode sparked a larger conversation about the state of general knowledge and cultural literacy in America. For some, it was a lighthearted moment on a game show; for others, it was a sign of deeper shifts in societal priorities. Regardless of where you stand, this Jeopardy! moment highlights how a single trivia question can trigger passionate discussions among viewers.

As fans continue to tune in to Jeopardy! to watch contestants take on challenging categories, moments like these serve as reminders of the show’s enduring appeal. Whether it’s the joy of seeing someone nail a tough question or the surprise of watching all three contestants get stumped by a seemingly simple one, Jeopardy! remains a beloved part of American culture. And while not everyone may know the words to the Lord’s Prayer, it’s clear that Jeopardy! still has the power to spark conversations—and a little controversy—across the country.