Matthew 6:2-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:4

And thy Father which seeth in secret (comp. Matthew 6:6 , note). Himself . Revised 'Version omits, with the manuscripts. Shall reward thee ; Revised Version, shall recompense thee ( ἀποδώσει σοι ). Shall give to thee in full measure corresponding to the contents of that which is really due (cf. Isaiah 65:6 , Isaiah 65:7 , LXX .). When this" recompense" shall be given is not stated. If, as is probable, our Lord is thinking of the" reward" of Matthew 6:1 and Matthew 5:12 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:4

The Father's open rewards. "Shall reward thee openly." This turn of the sentence somewhat surprises us. It is not precisely what we expected. Making so much of giving in secret, and the Father seeing in secret, we expect to read, "shall reward thee in secret ways." Probably the "open reward" is promised because the man who makes a show of religion does so in order to get open and public fame. (It should, however, be duly noticed that the best manuscripts and most modern editors omit the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 6:2

Do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do - The word “hypocrite” is taken from “stage-players,” who act the part of others, or speak not their own sentiments, but the sentiments of others. It means here, and in the New Testament generally, those who “dissemble” or hide their real sentiments, and assume or express other feelings than their own - those who, for purposes of ostentation, gain, or applause, put on the appearance of religion. It is probable that such persons, when they... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 6:3-4

Let not thy left hand know ... - This is a proverbial expression, signifying that the action should be done as secretly as possible. The Hebrews often attribute actions to members which properly belong to persons. The encouragement for performing our acts of charity in secret is that it will be pleasing to God; that he will see the act, however secret it may be, and will openly reward it. If the reward is not granted in this life, it will be in the life to come. In multitudes of cases, however,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 6:2-4

Matthew 6:2-4. Therefore, &c. The caution is so important, that our Lord illustrates it in various particulars. When thou doest thine alms Exercisest thy charity by performing works of mercy; do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do From this it would appear that, in our Lord’s time, persons who affected the reputation of being extremely charitable, sometimes sounded a trumpet when they distributed their alms, on pretence, no doubt, of calling together the poor to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 6:1-18

41. Giving, praying and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18; Luke 11:1-4)If the followers of Jesus give help to the needy with the aim of winning people’s praise, their giving is of no value in God’s sight. They will have their reward in the praise they seek, but will miss out on any reward from God. They should keep matters of giving secret from even their closest friends (Matthew 6:1-4).Prayer also is a private matter. Believers do not need to make a show of prayerful zeal, as if their heavenly Father... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 6:2

AS TO ALMS GIVING. hypocrites = actors: i.e. those who speak or act from under a mask. Used later of actual impiety, to which it led. Compare Matthew 23:28 ; Matthew 24:51 .Mark 12:15 . that = so that. of = by. Greek. hupo. Verily. See note on Matthew 5:18 . They have = They receive. Greek. apecho. In the Papyri, ( App-94 .) used constantly in formal receipts, as = it is received: i.e. those men who desired to be seen of men, were seen, and had received all they looked for. They got... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 6:3

know = get to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 6:4

seeth = looketh, or observeth. Greek. blepo. App-133 . openly. Omitted by all the Greek texts. App-94 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 6:2

When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have the glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.The area of instruction covered here is personal and individual, the broad assumption being that every true follower of Christ gives alms; that is, helps other people. Christ did not say, "If thou doest alms ..." but "WHEN"! One's obligation to be mindful of human need and suffering... read more

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