Matthew 6
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM--ITS UNOSTENTATIOUSNESS. (Mat. 6:1-18) Take heed that ye do not your alms--But the true reading seems clearly to be "your righteousness." The external authority for both readings is pretty nearly equal; but internal evidence is decidedly in favor of "righteousness." The subject of the second verse being "almsgiving" that word--so like the other in Greek--might easily be substituted for it by the copyist: whereas the opposite would not be so likely. But it is still more in favor of "righteousness," that if we so read the first verse, it then becomes a general heading for this whole section of the discourse, inculcating unostentatiousness in all deeds of righteousness--Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting being, in that case, but selected examples of this righteousness; whereas, if we read, "Do not your alms," &c., this first verse will have no reference but to that one point. By "righteousness," in this case, we are to understand that same righteousness of the kingdom of heaven, whose leading features--in opposition to traditional perversions of it--it is the great object of this discourse to open up: that righteousness of which the Lord says, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 5:20). To "do" this righteousness, was an old and well-understood expression. Thus, "Blessed is he that doeth righteousness at all times" (Psa 106:3). It refers to the actings of righteousness in the life--the outgoings of the gracious nature--of which our Lord afterwards said to His disciples, "Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples" (Joh 15:8). before men, to be seen of them--with the view…
Open source ↗Take heed that ye do not your alms before men,.... Some copies read, "take heed that ye do not your righteousness", &c. which is a very good reading: but then, by "righteousness", is not meant righteousness, as comprehending all other righteous acts, as particularly alms, prayer, and fasting, hereafter mentioned; but alms only; nothing being more common with the Jews than to call alms "righteousness": and whatever word Matthew made use of, there is no doubt to be made of it, but this was the word Christ used. Now alms was so called, because it is a righteous action, which ought to be performed; and to withhold from the poor what is meet, is to deal unrighteously: hence we read of the "mammon of unrighteousness"; by which is meant, not money unrighteously got, but that which is unrighteously kept from the poor: also it might be so called, because the Jews very much placed their justifying righteousness before God in the performance of it: let us first see how, according to them, it was to be done, and then what confidence they placed in it, and how much they made use of it. The account Maimonides (f) gives is as follows, who observes: that "we are bound to take heed to the commandment of alms more than all the affirmative commands; because alms is a sign of a "righteous" man, the seed of Abraham our father; as it is said, in Gen 18:19. Nor is the throne of Israel established, nor can the law of truth stand, but by alms; as it is said, Pro 16:19. Nor shall Israel be redeemed, but by alms, according to Isa 1:27. There are (says he) eight degrees in giving alms, the one above another; the highest, than which there is none higher, is this; when one relieves an Israelite, and gives him a gift, or lends to him, or takes him into partnership, or finds him work, so that he stren…
Open source ↗As we must do better than the scribes and Pharisees in avoiding heart-sins, heart-adultery, and heart-murder, so likewise in maintaining and keeping up heart-religion, doing what we do from an inward, vital principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be applauded of men; that is, we must watch against hypocrisy, which was the leaven of the Pharisees, as well as against their doctrine, Luk 12:1. Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, are three great Christian duties - the three foundations of the law, say the Arabians: by them we do homage and service to God with our three principal interests; by prayer with our souls, by fasting with our bodies, by alms-giving with our estates. Thus we must not only depart from evil, but do good, and do it well, and so dwell for evermore. Now in these verses we area cautioned against hypocrisy in giving alms. Take heed of it. Our being bid to take heed of it intimates that it is sin. 1. We are in great danger of; it is a subtle sin; vain-glory insinuates itself into what we do ere we are aware. The disciples would be tempted to it by the power they had to do many wondrous works, and their living with some that admired them and others that despised them, both which are temptations to covet to make a fair show in the flesh. 2. It is a sin we are in great danger by. Take heed of hypocrisy, for if it reign in you, it will ruin you. It is the dead fly that spoils the whole box of precious ointment. Two things are here supposed, I. The giving of alms is a great duty, and a duty which all the disciples of Christ, according to their ability, must abound in. It is prescribed by the law of nature and of Moses, and great stress is laid upon it by the prophets. Divers ancient copies here for tēn eleēmosunēn - your alms, read tēn dikaio…
Open source ↗6:1 This verse introduces the theme of 6:2-18, that righteousness should not be done for public recognition but as a service to God. • Good deeds are acts that conform to God’s pattern for proper behavior: e.g., gift giving (6:2-4), prayer (6:5-15), and fasting (6:16-18). Jesus urges secrecy to counteract the human propensity to seek praise for oneself rather than for God (cp. 5:16).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
προσέχω (proséchō, G4337) — (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, G1715) — in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… θεάομαι (theáomai, G2300) — to look closely at, i.e. (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰ δὲ μή(γε) (ei dè mḗ(ge), G1490) — but if not ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μισθός (misthós, G3408) — pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, G1715) — in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like ὑποκριτής (hypokritḗs, G5273) — an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ῥύμη (rhýmē, G4505) — an alley or avenue (as crowded)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἀριστερός (aristerós, G710) — the left hand (as second-best) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) δεξιός (dexiós, G1188) — the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
Open source ↗ὅπως (hópōs, G3704) — what(-ever) how, i.e. in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence,… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… ὦ (ō, G5600) — (may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with G1487 (εἰ) and its… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κρυπτός (kryptós, G2927) — concealed, i.e. private καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi, G591) — to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications) σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee φανερός (phanerós, G5318) — shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like ὑποκριτής (hypokritḗs, G5273) — an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because φιλέω (philéō, G5368) — to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e. have affection for… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by… γωνία (gōnía, G1137) — an angle πλατεῖα (plateîa, G4113) — a wide "plat" or "place", i.e. open square
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ταμεῖον (tameîon, G5009) — akin to , to cut); a dispensary or magazine, i.e. a chamber on the ground-floor or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κλείω (kleíō, G2808) — to close (literally or figuratively) θύρα (thýra, G2374) — a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively) πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship βαττολογέω (battologéō, G945) — to stutter, i.e. (by implication) to prate tediously μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like ἐθνικός (ethnikós, G1482) — national ("ethnic"), i.e. (specially) a Gentile γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… δοκέω (dokéō, G1380) — compare the base of G1166 (δεικνύω)) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἰσακούω (eisakoúō, G1522) — to listen to ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πολυλογία (polylogía, G4180) — loquacity, i.e. prolixity
Open source ↗ὁμοιόω (homoióō, G3666) — to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or… πρό (pró, G4253) — "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) αἰτέω (aitéō, G154) — to ask (in genitive case)
Open source ↗οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἁγιάζω (hagiázō, G37) — to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Open source ↗σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us σήμερον (sḗmeron, G4594) — on the (i.e. this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e. at… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἐπιούσιος (epioúsios, G1967) — tomorrow's; but more probably from G1909 (ἐπί) and a derivative of the present participle… ἄρτος (ártos, G740) — bread (as raised) or a loaf
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ὀφείλημα (opheílēma, G3783) — something owed, i.e. (figuratively) a due; morally, a fault ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) ὀφειλέτης (opheilétēs, G3781) — an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰσφέρω (eisphérō, G1533) — to carry inward (literally or figuratively) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ῥύομαι (rhýomai, G4506) — compare G4511 (ῥύσις)); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… παράπτωμα (paráptōma, G3900) — a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you οὐράνιος (ouránios, G3770) — celestial, i.e. belonging to or coming from the sky πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗Cross-references
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All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
“Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.