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.

MATTHEW 6:1KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“alms” Greek G1654 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

“otherwise” Greek G1490 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

“heed” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
  • 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

“seen” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.