Matthew 6:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:5-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:6

But thou (emphatic) when thou prayset, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray, etc. An adaptation of Isaiah 26:20 (cf. also 2 Kings 4:33 ). The prophet's language describing the action befitting a time of terror is used by our Lord to express what ought to be the normal practice of each of his followers. Observe that the widow of one of the sons of the prophets so acted when she was about to receive the miraculous supply of oil ( 2 Kings 4:4 , 2 Kings 4:5 ). ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:6

Secret prayer. These words are not intended to discourage the practice of public worship. The contrast they afford to the ostentatious worship of the Pharisees. makes it clear that our Lord is not alluding to the general prayers of a congregation. For with the synagogue he associates the street corner ( Matthew 6:5 ), thus showing that he is thinking of a man's personal devotions throughout, although in the case of the Pharisee these are made indecently public, and therefore do not deserve... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:6

The law of personal prayer. That which relates to the individual. Private prayer. "Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the Name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies." Our Lord assumes that his disciples will recognize the need for private prayer, and feel the impulse to private prayer, as distinct from the claim to join in the public prayers of synagogue and temple. "Come, let us worship and bow... read more

Albert Barnes

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

Enter into thy closet - Every Jewish house had a place for secret devotion. The roofs of their houses were flat places, well adapted for walking, conversation, and meditation. See the notes at Matthew 9:2. Professor Hackett (“Illustrations of Scripture,” p. 82) says: “On the roof of the house in which I lodged at Damascus were chambers and rooms along the side and at the corners of the open space or terrace, which constitutes often a sort of upper story. I observed the same thing in connection... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 6:5-6

Matthew 6:5-6. When thou prayest Which, if thou art my disciple indeed, thou wilt often do: thou shalt not be as the hypocrites Praying out of vain ostentation. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues In the sight of numbers of people. Of the synagogues see note on Matthew 4:23. And in the corners of the streets Where several ways meet, that they may be seen of men May be beheld by many, and admired as persons of singular piety. Verily, they have their reward This... 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 6:6

closet = store-chamber. Hence a secret chamber where treasures were stored. Occurs only here, Matthew 24:26 , and Luke 12:3 , Luke 12:24 . Compare Isaiah 26:20 . 2 Kings 4:33 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.(2) The best place for prayer is characterized by secrecy, privacy, and quietness. The secret place, the private room, the inner chamber, the shut door - these are the best situations in which acceptable prayer may be offered. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 6:6

Matthew 6:6. Enter into thy closet— That is, "perform thy private devotions without noise or shew; by which it will appear, that thou art influenced by a true sense of duty." The word ταμιειον, closet, signifies any retired part of the house, any secret or separate place; and Mr. Blair piously conjectures, that Christ might use a word of such latitude, that none might omit secret prayer, for want of so convenient an apartment as they could wish to retire into. Duly to perform the great duty of... read more

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