Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

MATTHEW 6:16KJV
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Matthew 6:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:16 mean?

Matthew 6:16 warns against making a show of fasting to gain attention or approval from others. Jesus says that those who fast with a sad or exaggerated appearance, just to be seen by people, have already received all the recognition they will get—nothing more from God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them about genuine spiritual practices. He points out that some people, called "hypocrites," would purposely make themselves look miserable while fasting so others would notice and praise them for their devotion. Jesus emphasizes that true fasting is not about public display but about sincerity before God.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:16

  • ὑποκριταί (hypokritai): This word means "hypocrites," referring to people who act or pretend, especially in religious matters. Here, it highlights the problem of putting on a show of piety rather than being sincere.
  • ἀφανίζουσιν (aphanizousin): This verb means "they disfigure" or "make unrecognizable." The idea is that these people would alter their appearance to look especially gloomy, making their fasting obvious to others.
  • μισθὸν (misthon): This word means "reward." Jesus uses it to say that public recognition is the only reward these people will get—they should not expect anything further from God.

Why Matthew 6:16 matters

  • Matthew 6:16 clarifies that spiritual practices like fasting are meant to be between a person and God, not performed for human applause.
  • This verse connects to the wider teaching in Matthew 6, where Jesus warns against doing good deeds just to be seen by others, whether giving, praying, or fasting.
  • The verse helps correct the misunderstanding that outward displays of religion automatically please God; instead, Jesus stresses the importance of inner sincerity.

Where else these words appear

“countenance” Greek G4659 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

“disfigure” Greek G853 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

“have” Greek G568 · used in 11 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.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

“fast” Greek G3522 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.