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Matthew 6:4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, the <i>One</i> seeing in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees <i>what is done</i> in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees <i>what is done</i> in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret and will reward you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/6.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Give your contributions privately. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />so that your giving may be done in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will Himself reward you openly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />so that your charitable giving may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That thy alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself will reward thee openly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />that your charities may be in secret; and then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that your kindness may be in secret, and your Father who is seeing in secret will reward you Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, the <i>One</i> seeing in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that thy kindness may be in secret, and thy Father who is seeing in secret Himself shall reward thee manifestly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />That thine alms might be in secret; and thy Father, who seeing in secret, shall give back to thee openly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that your almsgiving may be in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So that your alms may be done secretly, and your Father who sees in secret, shall himself reward you openly.<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 />So that your charity may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you in public.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />that your charitable deeds may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, himself will reward you openly.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>in order that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who sees in secret will reward thee openly.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will himself reward thee openly.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />that your alms may be secret: and your father who sees your secret actions, shall reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />that your charities may be in secret; and then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>that your alms may be in secret; and your Father, Who seeth in secret, will recompense you.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will himself reward thee openly.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/6-4.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=1248" 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>&#8230;<span class="reftext">3</span>But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hop&#333;s (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">so that</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/3588.htm" title="3588: h&#275; (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/1654.htm" title="1654: ele&#275;mosyn&#275; (N-NFS) -- Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.">giving</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: &#275; (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">may be</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333; (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2927.htm" title="2927: krypt&#333; (Adj-DNS) -- From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.">secret.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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/3962.htm" title="3962: Pat&#275;r (N-NMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blep&#333;n (V-PPA-NMS) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">who sees</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333; (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is done</a> <a href="/greek/2927.htm" title="2927: krypt&#333; (Adj-DNS) -- From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.">in secret,</a> <a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: apod&#333;sei (V-FIA-3S) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">will reward</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.&#8221;<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="/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="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33</a></span><br />Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Acts 10:4</a></span><br />Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, &#8220;What is it, Lord?&#8221; The angel answered, &#8220;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="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a></span><br />And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Proverbs 11:25</a></span><br />A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.<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/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, &#8220;Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,&#8221; but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18-19</a></span><br />Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a></span><br />Isn&#8217;t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-10.htm">Deuteronomy 15:10</a></span><br />Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.</p><p class="hdg">seeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Matthew 6:6,18</a></b></br> But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3</a></b></br> Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited <i>me</i> in the night; thou hast tried me, <i>and</i> shalt find nothing; I am purposed <i>that</i> my mouth shall not transgress.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-21.htm">Psalm 44:21</a></b></br> Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.</p><p class="hdg">reward.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-42.htm">Matthew 10:42</a></b></br> And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold <i>water</i> only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34-40</a></b></br> Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a></b></br> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed <i>that</i> thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/acts/10-31.htm">Charities</a> <a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Manifestly</a> <a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/joel/3-7.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Render</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Secret</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/11-41.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Charities</a> <a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Manifestly</a> <a href="/luke/1-54.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Render</a> <a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Secret</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/matthew/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>so that your giving may be in secret.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in charitable acts. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, public displays of piety were common, often used to gain social status or approval. Jesus contrasts this with the call to give discreetly, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God valuing the heart's intent over outward appearances (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The practice of secret giving reflects a genuine love for others and a desire to honor God rather than seeking human recognition. This teaching aligns with the wisdom literature, such as <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>, which speaks of lending to the Lord by giving to the poor.<p><b>And your Father, who sees what is done in secret,</b><br>This phrase highlights God's omniscience and intimate involvement in the lives of believers. The reference to God as "Father" underscores a personal and relational aspect of God, which was a revolutionary concept in the Jewish context of the time. It reflects the intimate relationship Jesus had with God and invites believers into that same closeness. The assurance that God sees in secret is a comfort and a call to integrity, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him (<a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a>). This also connects to the prophetic writings, such as <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a>, where God searches the heart and examines the mind.<p><b>will reward you.</b><br>The promise of reward from God serves as an encouragement to live righteously and with pure motives. This reward is not necessarily material or immediate but is often understood as spiritual blessings or eternal rewards (<a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a>). The concept of divine reward is consistent throughout Scripture, seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>, which speaks of God rewarding those who earnestly seek Him. This assurance of reward from God contrasts with the fleeting and often superficial rewards of human praise, emphasizing the eternal perspective that Jesus consistently taught.<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 passage, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which includes teachings on righteous living.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father.htm">The Father (God)</a></b><br>The one who sees in secret and rewards those who act with pure intentions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples_and_the_crowd.htm">The Disciples and the Crowd</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all followers of Christ.<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 on various aspects of righteous living.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_secret_place.htm">The Secret Place</a></b><br>A metaphorical place representing the private and sincere actions of believers, away from public recognition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/sincerity_in_giving.htm">Sincerity in Giving</a></b><br>Our acts of charity should be motivated by love and obedience to God, not by a desire for human praise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience.htm">God's Omniscience</a></b><br>God sees all actions, even those done in secret, and He values the intentions behind them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_rewards.htm">Heavenly Rewards</a></b><br>True rewards come from God, not from human accolades. Our focus should be on eternal rewards rather than temporary recognition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_private_faith.htm">Cultivating a Private Faith</a></b><br>Develop a personal and private relationship with God that is not dependent on public validation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_christian_living.htm">Integrity in Christian Living</a></b><br>Live consistently with Christian values both in public and private, ensuring that your actions align with your faith.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_charity.htm">What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/will_the_lord_watch_between_you_and_me.htm">Will the Lord watch between you and me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_god_perceive_with_his_eyes.htm">What does God perceive with His eyes?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">That thine alms may be in secret.</span>--Here again we have a principle rather than a rule. Publicity may be a duty, especially in public work. But this--gifts for schools, hospitals, and the like--is hardly contemplated in the word "alms," which refers rather to acts of mercy, to cases of individual suffering. Ostentation in those acts is what our Lord especially condemns.<p><span class= "bld">Thy Father which seeth in secret.</span>--The attribute which we call the Omniscience of God is commonly dwelt on as calculated to inspire a just fear of the All-seeing One. He sees, we say, the evil deeds that are done in secret. Here it is brought before us as an encouragement and ground of hope. Do we feel isolated, not understood, not appreciated? He sees in secret and will reward.<p><span class= "bld">Shall reward thee openly.</span>--A curious instance of an early attempt to improve on our Lord's teaching. The adverb "openly" is not found in the best MSS., and is now omitted by most editors. It would seem either as if a false rhetorical taste desired a more complete antithesis, or that the craving for public acknowledgment in the presence of men and angels asserted itself even here, and led men to add to the words of the divine Teacher. It need hardly be said that the addition weakens and lowers the force of the truth asserted. It is not necessarily in this way, "openly," that God rewards His servants, nor do the words point only to the reward of the last great day. The reward is at once immediate, and, it may be, secret--the hidden manna, the joy with which a stranger doth not intermeddle, and which no man taketh from us.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And thy Father which seeth in secret</span> (comp. ver. 6, note). <span class="cmt_word">Himself</span>. Revised 'Version omits, with the manuscripts. <span class="cmt_word">Shall reward thee</span>; Revised Version, <span class="accented">shall recompense thee</span> (<span class="greek">&#x1f00;&#x3c0;&#x3bf;&#x3b4;&#x1f7d;&#x3c3;&#x3b5;&#x3b9;&#x20;&#x3c3;&#x3bf;&#x3b9;</span>). Shall give to thee in full measure corresponding to the contents of that which is really due (cf. <a href="/isaiah/65-6.htm">Isaiah 65:6, 7</a>, LXX.). When this" recompense" shall be given is not stated. If, as is probable, our Lord is thinking of the" reward" of ver. 1 and <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a>, it would naturally be given at the judgment-day. <span class="cmt_word">Openly</span>. Revised Version omits, with the manuscripts; similarly vers. 6,18. The interpolation was probably made not only because of the contrast suggested by "in secret," but also to indicate more precisely the time when God would do this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/6-4.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">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#960;&#969;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(hop&#333;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#959;&#965;</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">giving</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#955;&#949;&#951;&#956;&#959;&#963;&#973;&#957;&#951;</span> <span class="translit">(ele&#275;mosyn&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1654.htm">Strong's 1654: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8086;</span> <span class="translit">(&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">secret.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#961;&#965;&#960;&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(krypt&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2927.htm">Strong's 2927: </a> </span><span class="str2">From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#959;&#965;</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">Father,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#928;&#945;&#964;&#942;&#961;</span> <span class="translit">(Pat&#275;r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who sees</span><br /><span class="grk">&#946;&#955;&#941;&#960;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(blep&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> </span><span class="str2">(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what is done</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in secret,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#961;&#965;&#960;&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(krypt&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2927.htm">Strong's 2927: </a> </span><span class="str2">From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will reward</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#960;&#959;&#948;&#974;&#963;&#949;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(apod&#333;sei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#959;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 6:4 So that your merciful deeds may be (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/6-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 6:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/6-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 6:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:5" /></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>

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