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.
MATTHEW 6:2KJVWhat does Matthew 6:2 mean?
Matthew 6:2 warns against making a public show of giving to the needy in order to gain praise from others, saying that those who seek recognition for their charity have already received their reward in human approval. Jesus teaches that true generosity should not be done for attention or applause.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing how people should practice acts of kindness and charity. He points out that some people, called "hypocrites," would draw attention to their giving in public places like synagogues and streets so others would admire them. The main idea is that seeking human praise for good deeds leaves no room for a deeper, spiritual reward from God.
The Greek behind Matthew 6:2
- ὑποκριταί (hypokritai): This word means "hypocrites" and originally referred to actors on a stage. Here, Jesus uses it to describe people who put on a show of goodness for the sake of appearances rather than genuine compassion.
- σαλπίζω (salpizō): Translated as "sound a trumpet," this word paints a vivid picture of drawing public attention. It suggests making a spectacle of one’s giving, which was not a literal practice but a figure of speech for showing off.
- δόξα (doxa): This word means "glory" or "praise." The verse highlights that some people give so they can receive honor from others, rather than out of true generosity.
- μισθός (misthos): Translated as "reward," this word refers to wages or payment. Jesus says those who seek public praise for their giving have already been paid in full by that recognition, leaving no further reward.
Why Matthew 6:2 matters
- Matthew 6:2 clarifies that the motivation behind good deeds matters as much as the actions themselves; outward acts done for show are not valued the same way as those done quietly and sincerely.
- This verse helps explain the broader theme of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasts external religious practices with genuine inner righteousness.
- It corrects the misunderstanding that public recognition is a sign of spiritual approval, emphasizing that God values the heart and intention behind our actions more than the attention they receive.