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If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/nlt/matthew/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/esv/matthew/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And beware not to do your righteousness before men in order to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward in the presence of your Father in the heavens. <a href="/kjv/matthew/6.htm">King James Bible</a> Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/6.htm">New King James Version</a> “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/nasb/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/lsb/matthew/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Beware of doing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/amp/matthew/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Be [very] careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by men; otherwise you will have no reward [prepared and awaiting you] with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/csb/matthew/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/asv/matthew/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/cev/matthew/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father which is in heaven. <a href="/gwt/matthew/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Be careful not to do your good works in public in order to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you. <a href="/gnt/matthew/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/isv/matthew/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people in order to be noticed by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/msb/matthew/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Be careful not to perform your acts of charity before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. <a href="/net/matthew/6.htm">NET Bible</a> "Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven. <a href="/nheb/matthew/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Be careful that you do not do your righteousness before people, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/wbt/matthew/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen by them: otherwise ye have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But beware of doing your good actions in the sight of men, in order to attract their gaze; if you do, there is no reward for you with your Father who is in Heaven. <a href="/web/matthew/6.htm">World English Bible</a> “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Take heed not to do your kindness before men, to be seen by them, and if not—you have no reward from your Father who [is] in the heavens; <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And beware not to do your righteousness before men in order to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward in the presence of your Father in the heavens. <a href="/ylt/matthew/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Take heed your kindness not to do before men, to be seen by them, and if not -- reward ye have not from your Father who is in the heavens; <a href="/slt/matthew/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Attend ye not to do your justice before men, to be seen to them; and if otherwise ye have no reward from your Father which in the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> TAKE heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Pay attention, lest you perform your justice before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you shall not have a reward with your Father, who is in heaven. <a href="/nabre/matthew/6.htm">New American Bible</a> “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> BE careful concerning your alms, not to do them in the presence of men, merely that they may see them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Pay attention in your charity giving, that you do it not in front of people so that you may be seen by them, otherwise there is no reward for you with your Father in Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Beware of doing your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/godbey/matthew/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> TAKE heed that ye do not your alms before men, in order to catch their eye: for otherwise ye have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/mace/matthew/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But beware of doing your good actions in the sight of men, in order to attract their gaze; if you do, there is no reward for you with your Father who is in Heaven. <a href="/worrell/matthew/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen by them, otherwise at least ye have no reward with your Father Who is in Heaven.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be observed by them: otherwise ye <Fr>will<FR> have no reward from your Father, who is in heaven.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/6-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1216" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Giving to the Needy</a> 1<a href="/greek/4337.htm" title="4337: Prosechete (V-PMA-2P) -- From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.">“Be careful</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiein (V-PNA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to perform</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēn (N-AFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">righteous acts</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Prep) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2300.htm" title="2300: theathēnai (V-ANP) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.">to be seen</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">by them.</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">you do,</a> <a href="/greek/1490.htm" title="1490: mē¦ge (Prtcl) -- But if not, else, otherwise. From ei, de, and me; but if not."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you will have</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/3408.htm" title="3408: misthon (N-AMS) -- (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.">reward</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- 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: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patri (N-DMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranois (N-DMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 2So 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5</a> All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a> To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “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. ... <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Luke 12:1</a> In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. <a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a> For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a> Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4-6</a> Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. / As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! / Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a> Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a> Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. <a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">Isaiah 58:1-7</a> “Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins. / For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.” / “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. ... <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-24</a> “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ... <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a> With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.heed.<a href="/matthew/16-6.htm">Matthew 16:6</a> Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.<a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Mark 8:15</a> And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.<a href="/luke/11-35.htm">Luke 11:35</a> Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.alms.<a href="/deuteronomy/24-13.htm">Deuteronomy 24:13</a> In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.<a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a> He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.<a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a> Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.to be.<a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">Matthew 6:5,16</a> And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward… <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.<a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5,14,28-30</a> But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, … otherwise.<a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4,6</a> That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly… <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Matthew 5:46</a> For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?<a href="/matthew/10-41.htm">Matthew 10:41,42</a> He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward… of your.<a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Matthew 6:9</a> After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.<a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/36-19.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/acts/24-17.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Attract</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-6.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/matthew/2-8.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Charitable</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/matthew/5-47.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-27.htm">Noticed</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Order</a> <a href="/hosea/2-3.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Practicing</a> <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/matthew/2-10.htm">Sight</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Alms</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Attract</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Care</a> <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Charitable</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Noticed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Practicing</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/matthew/9-30.htm">Sight</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 6</div>1. <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Giving to the Needy</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">The Lord's Prayer</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Proper Fasting</a> 19. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Store up Treasures in Heaven</a> 25. <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Do Not Worry</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">but seek God's kingdom.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. This phrase emphasizes the importance of sincerity in religious practices. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, public displays of piety were common, especially among the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law and public demonstrations of their faith. Jesus warns against the temptation to seek human approval rather than divine approval. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of God valuing the heart's intentions over outward appearances, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. The phrase also echoes the prophetic call for genuine worship found in <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a>, where God criticizes those who honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him.If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. This part of the verse introduces the concept of divine reward, contrasting it with earthly recognition. The idea of heavenly reward is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a>). The notion of God as a Father who rewards His children is rooted in the Jewish understanding of God as a loving and just parent, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a>. This teaching challenges believers to evaluate their motivations and seek God's approval above all else, reflecting the call to live a life of faith that is pleasing to God, as described in <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which is a foundational teaching of Christian ethics and spirituality. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples_and_followers.htm">Disciples and Followers</a> The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all believers who seek to live according to His instructions. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven</a> The dwelling place of God, representing the ultimate reward and approval that believers should seek. 4. <a href="/topical/f/father_in_heaven.htm">Father in Heaven</a> Refers to God, emphasizing a personal and relational aspect of God as a Father who rewards His children. 5. <a href="/topical/p/public_acts_of_righteousness.htm">Public Acts of Righteousness</a> The actions that Jesus warns against performing for the sake of human approval rather than divine approval.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guard_against_hypocrisy.htm">Guard Against Hypocrisy</a> Jesus warns against performing righteous acts for the sake of being seen by others. True righteousness seeks God's approval, not human applause. <a href="/topical/s/seek_heavenly_rewards.htm">Seek Heavenly Rewards</a> The focus should be on the eternal rewards from the Father in heaven, rather than temporary recognition from people. <a href="/topical/e/examine_motives.htm">Examine Motives</a> Believers are encouraged to regularly examine their motives for their actions, ensuring they align with seeking God's glory. <a href="/topical/c/cultivate_a_private_devotion.htm">Cultivate a Private Devotion</a> Develop a personal relationship with God that is not dependent on public recognition or validation. <a href="/topical/l/live_authentically.htm">Live Authentically</a> Authentic Christian living involves consistency between one's private and public life, reflecting genuine faith and devotion.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'virtue_signaling'_mean.htm">What does "virtue signaling" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_give_without_recognition.htm">How can you give without seeking recognition?</a> <a href="/q/do_they_exploit_widows.htm">What is the reward for fasting in secret?</a> <a href="/q/does_'narrow_gate'_limit_salvation.htm">In Matthew 7:13–14, does the “narrow gate” imply limited salvation and conflict with the idea of a loving God who desires to save all? </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>VI.(1) From the protest against the casuistry which tampered with and distorted the great primary commandments, the Sermon on the Mount passes to the defects of character and action which vitiated the religion of Pharisaism even where it was at its best. Its excellence had been that it laid stress, as the religion of Islam did afterwards, on the three great duties of the religious life, almsgiving, fasting, and prayer, rather than on sacrifices and offerings. Verbally, Pharisaism accepted on this point the widest and most spiritual teaching of the prophets, and so its home was in the Synagogue rather than the Temple, and it gained a hold on the minds of the people which the priests never gained. But a subtle evil found its way even here. Love of praise and power, rather than spontaneous love, and self-denial, and adoration, was the mainspring of their action, and so that which is the essence of all religion was absent even from the acts in which the purest and highest form of religion naturally shows itself.Your alms.--The better MSS. give righteousness, and obviously with a far truer meaning, as the wider word which branches off afterwards into the three heads of alms, fasting, prayer. In Rabbinic language the whole was often used for the part, and "righteousness" was identified with "mercifulness," and that with giving money. The Greek version of the LXX. often renders the Hebrew word for righteousness by "alms." In the New Testament, however, there is no such narrowing of its meaning, and here the full significance of the word is fixed by its use in <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm" title="For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.">Matthew 5:20</a>. The reading "alms" probably arose from a misconception of the real meaning of the passage, and the consequent assumption that it simply introduced the rule given in <a href="/context/matthew/6-2.htm" title="Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.">Matthew 6:2-3</a>.To be seen of them.--It is the motive, and not the fact of publicity, that vitiates the action. The high ideal of the disciple of Christ is to let his light shine "before men" (the self-same words are used in <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm" title="Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 5:16</a> as here), and yet to be indifferent to their praise or even their opinion. In most religious men there is probably a mingling of the two motives, and we dare not say at what precise stage the presence of the lower overpowers the higher. It is enough to remember that it is the little speck which may taint the whole character till it loses all its life.Of your Father which is in heaven.--More accurately, with your Father, as meaning, "in His estimate." The act is not done to and for Him, and therefore (speaking after the manner of men) He looks on it as having no claim to payment.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-18. - The relation of our Lord and his disciples to the religion of the day (continued); vide <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>, note. (b) Our Lord turns from cases which could be directly deduced from the Law to those which belonged only to recognized religious duty. Of these he instances three: alms (vers. 2-4), prayer (vers. 5-8, 9-15), fasting (vers. 16-18). It is, indeed, true that the performance of these duties on special occasions was implied in the Pentateuch (<a href="/deuteronomy/26-12.htm">Deuteronomy 26:12-15</a>); but there are no regulations concerning their observance in ordinary and daily life. These were matters of custom and tradition; to this the Law, in its original aim and method, did not extend. There was therefore the more need for the Law to be supplemented by the instructions of the Jewish leaders. These our Lord does not reject, but only corrects. Verse 1. - Matthew only. Take heed; προσέχετε [δέ] (Westcott and Hort). If "but" is genuine, as is on the whole more probable, our Lord places this warning in close relation to the preceding charge. Aim at "perfection," but beware of mere show. Rather you must consider the estimate that will be formed of you by your Father which is in heaven. That ye do not your alms; Revised Version, your righteousness (so the manuscripts). Although one of the Hebrew words for "righteousness" (צרקה) was used especially for the righteousness of almsgiving (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-25.htm">Deuteronomy 6:25</a>, LXX.; and 'Psalms of Solomon,' 9:6, where see Professor Ryle's and Mr. James's note), yet it is improbable that τὴν δικαιοσύνην should here be rendered "alms," because (1) it has this meaning nowhere else in the New Testament; (2) the word for "alms" (ἐλεημοσύνη) comes in the next verse; (3) the emphatic position of τὴν δικαιοσύνην (μὴ ποιεῖν), in contrast to ποιῇς ἐλεημοσύνην (ver. 2), points to it being a collective expression of which the various parts are mentioned in the following verses. The form also of the sentence, "when," etc., at the head of each of the other subjects, (vers. 5,16) shows that these are co-ordinated with ver. 2. Your; in contrast to that of the typical Jews. The limitation implied in ὑμῶν, gives a more partial and probably more external meaning to "righteousness" (cf. <a href="/ezekiel/18-22.htm">Ezekiel 18:22, 24</a>) than is to be seen in the corresponding phrase in <a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">1 John 2:29</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a>. To be seen of them (πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς. Having for your final purpose (cf. Ellicott on <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">1 Corinthians 9:18</a>) to be gazed at by them (cf. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5</a>; <a href="/acts/1-11.htm">Acts 1:11</a>; and T.R. of <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18</a>; at. supra, <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a>). Otherwise (Winer, § 65:3. c). Ye have no reward (<a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a>, note). Of your Father; Authorized Version margin and Revised Version, with; the thought being not that it is given by him, but that it is laid up with him (παρὰ τῷ Πατρὶ ὑμῶν). Perhaps, however, the preposition rather means "in the judgment of" (cf. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4</a>). Your Father (<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a>. note). Notice the frequent repetition of the phrase in this context (<a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4, 6, 8, 15, 18</a> bis). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/6-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Be careful Προσέχετε (Prosechete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4337.htm">Strong's 4337: </a> From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to perform ποιεῖν (poiein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. righteous acts δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. before ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). men ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. to be seen θεαθῆναι (theathēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit. by them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. [you do], δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. you will have ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. reward μισθὸν (misthon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3408.htm">Strong's 3408: </a> (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad. from παρὰ (para) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Father Πατρὶ (Patri) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven. οὐρανοῖς (ouranois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 6:1 Be careful that you don't do your (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:48"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:48" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 6:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:2" /></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>