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href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But you, doing acts of charity, do not let your left <i>hand</i> know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the poor <i>and</i> do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the poor, don&#8217t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But when you practice charitable giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But when you are giving in charity, let not your left hand perceive what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But you, doing kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But you, doing acts of charity, do not let your left <i>hand</i> know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'But thou, doing kindness, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But thou doing alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right does:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But you, whenever you do charity giving, let not your left know what your right is doing.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But when you do a charitable deed, let not your left hand know what your right hand does;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But thou doing alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But when thou givest alms, let not thy right hand know what thy left is doing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but when you give alms, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth:"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But when you are giving in charity, let not your left hand perceive what your right hand is doing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But, when you are doing alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing,<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But when thou givest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/6-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1242" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Giving to the Needy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But when</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiountos (V-PPA-GMS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">give to the needy,</a> <a href="/greek/1654.htm" title="1654: eleēmosynēn (N-AFS) -- Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not let</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/710.htm" title="710: aristera (Adj-NFS) -- On the left hand. Apparently a comparative of the same as ariston; the left hand.">left hand</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōtō (V-AMA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1188.htm" title="1188: dexia (Adj-NFS) -- On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.">right hand</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">is doing,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a></span><br />In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5</a></span><br />All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-12.htm">Luke 14:12-14</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. / But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-10.htm">Luke 18:10-14</a></span><br />“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a></span><br />Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a></span><br />What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Acts 10:2-4</a></span><br />He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. / One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” / Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a></span><br />if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">1 Corinthians 13:3</a></span><br />If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26</a></span><br />All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does:</p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/8-4.htm">Matthew 8:4</a></b></br> And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/9-30.htm">Matthew 9:30</a></b></br> And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See <i>that</i> no man know <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Matthew 12:19</a></b></br> He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-3.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Right</a> <a href="/micah/6-15.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/luke/11-41.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/8-3.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Money</a> <a href="/luke/11-41.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Giving to the Needy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">The Lord's Prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Proper Fasting</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Store up Treasures in Heaven</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Do Not Worry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">but seek God's kingdom.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But when you give to the needy</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the expectation of giving as a regular practice for believers. The act of giving to the needy is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>, which commands generosity towards the poor. The early church continued this practice, as evidenced in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>, where believers shared their possessions with those in need. The phrase implies a personal responsibility to care for the less fortunate, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy.<p><b>do not let your left hand know</b><br>This metaphorical expression suggests a level of secrecy and humility in giving. In the cultural context of the time, public acts of charity were often performed to gain social status or religious merit. Jesus challenges this by advocating for a discreet approach, aligning with the wisdom literature in <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>, which speaks of the value of secret gifts. The imagery of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing underscores the importance of sincerity and selflessness in charitable acts.<p><b>what your right hand is doing</b><br>The right hand is often associated with strength and action in biblical texts, such as in <a href="/exodus/15-6.htm">Exodus 15:6</a>, where God's right hand is described as glorious in power. In this context, it represents the act of giving itself. The instruction to keep the left hand unaware of the right hand's actions highlights the need for internal purity and the avoidance of self-congratulation. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a>, which calls believers to consider others more significant than themselves.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which is a foundational teaching of Christian ethics and spirituality.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all followers of Christ who seek to live according to His instructions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_needy.htm">The Needy</a></b><br>The recipients of the almsgiving, representing those in society who require assistance and support.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>The setting of this teaching, a collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew chapters 5-7, addressing various aspects of righteous living.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_religious_context.htm">The Jewish Religious Context</a></b><br>The cultural and religious backdrop, where acts of charity were often performed publicly for recognition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/sincere_generosity.htm">Sincere Generosity</a></b><br>The focus of giving should be on the needs of others, not on gaining recognition or praise. Our motivation should be love and compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>True humility involves serving others without seeking acknowledgment. This reflects the character of Christ, who served selflessly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_reward.htm">Trust in God's Reward</a></b><br>Trust that God sees and rewards acts of kindness done in secret. Our focus should be on pleasing God rather than people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_pride.htm">Guarding Against Pride</a></b><br>Be vigilant against the temptation to use good deeds as a means of self-promotion. Pride can undermine the spiritual value of our actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_generous_heart.htm">Cultivating a Generous Heart</a></b><br>Regularly examine your heart and motives in giving. Seek to cultivate a spirit of generosity that reflects God's love and grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_give_without_recognition.htm">How can you give without seeking recognition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_secrets_biblical.htm">Is keeping secrets aligned with biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/which_churches_were_in_galatia.htm">What does the Bible say about charitable giving?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_give_generously_without_return.htm">How can you give generously without expecting anything back?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Let not thy left hand know.</span>--The phrase was probably proverbial, and indicates, in the form of free hyperbole, extremest secrecy. It is possible that there may be some reference to the practice of using the right hand in offering gifts at the altar. The symbolical application, though an afterthought, is yet suggestive. The "right hand" is the higher spiritual element in us that leads to acts of true charity, the "left" is the baser, self-seeking nature. We ought, as it were, to set a barrier between the two, as far as possible, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> to exclude that mingling of motives, which is at least the beginning of evil.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But when thou</span>; "<span class="accented">thou"</span> emphatic. <span class="cmt_word">Let not thy left hand know</span>, etc. So little effect should thy kind action have upon thy memory. There should be no self-consciousness in it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/6-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But [when]</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">σοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give to the needy,</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιοῦντος</span> <span class="translit">(poiountos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{do} not {let}</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">σου</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">left [hand]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀριστερά</span> <span class="translit">(aristera)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_710.htm">Strong's 710: </a> </span><span class="str2">On the left hand. Apparently a comparative of the same as ariston; the left hand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="grk">γνώτω</span> <span class="translit">(gnōtō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">σου</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">right hand</span><br /><span class="grk">δεξιά</span> <span class="translit">(dexia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1188.htm">Strong's 1188: </a> </span><span class="str2">On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is doing,</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(poiei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 6:3 But when you do merciful deeds don't (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 6:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/6-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 6:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>