Matthew 6:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:1 mean?

Matthew 6:1 warns people not to do acts of charity just to be noticed by others, because if their goal is to gain attention, they will not receive any reward from God in heaven. The verse highlights the importance of the motive behind good deeds, not just the actions themselves.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them about genuine righteousness. He cautions his listeners that doing "alms" (acts of giving to the needy) for the sake of being seen by others misses the true purpose of generosity. The focus is on the heart’s intention—whether someone seeks praise from people or approval from God.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:1

• The word "alms" (ἐλεημοσύνη, eleēmosynē) refers specifically to acts of mercy or giving to the poor. This word shows that Jesus is talking about practical, compassionate help, not just religious rituals.
• The phrase "to be seen" uses two Greek words: πρός (pros, "toward") and θεαθῆναι (theathēnai, "to be observed" or "to be put on display"). This combination emphasizes doing something with the goal of attracting attention, not simply being noticed by accident.
• The word "reward" (μισθός, misthos) is often used for wages or payment. Here, it suggests that seeking human praise is like accepting payment in full, leaving nothing owed by God.

Why Matthew 6:1 matters

• Matthew 6:1 clarifies that the value of a good deed is not just in the action, but in the reason it is done. This helps prevent misunderstanding that outward acts alone are enough.
• The verse sets the tone for the next section of Jesus’ teaching, where he addresses prayer and fasting in the same way—focusing on sincerity over show.
• By highlighting the difference between earthly recognition and heavenly reward, Matthew 6:1 invites readers to examine their own motives and what kind of approval they truly seek.