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 6:2KJV
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Matthew 6:2 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“streets” Greek G4505 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
  • Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

“have” Greek G568 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen 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.

“do” Greek G4537 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  • Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
  • Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

“alms” Greek G1654 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 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.
  • 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.