Matthew 6:5 - Exposition

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be , etc.; Revised Version, plural. Matthew 6:5 is addressed to the disciples generally, Matthew 6:6 to them individually. (For the future, cf. Matthew 5:48 , note.) As the hypocrites are ( Matthew 6:2 , note). The 'Didache,' § 8., following this passage, says, "Neither pray ye as the hypocrites," referring, like our Lord, to practices affected chiefly by the Pharisees. For they love ( ὅτι φιλοῦσι ). Not to be translated "they are wont." Our Lord points out the cause of this their custom. It was not that the synagogue was more convenient (he is, of course, thinking of their private prayers), or that they were accidentally overtaken by the prayer-hour when in the street, but their innate love of display made them choose these places "that they may be seen of men" (cf. Matthew 6:16 , and contrast Matthew 6:2 ). To pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets ; to stand and pray , etc. (Revised Version), giving, however, slightly more emphasis on "stand" than its position warrants. The emphasis is really on the place, not on the posture, which was only what was usual among Jews. There is no thought of taking up their position, standing still ( σταθέντες , Acts 5:20 ; cf. Luke 18:11 , Luke 18:40 ). They have, etc. ( Matthew 6:2 , note).