But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

MATTHEW 6:3KJV
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Matthew 6:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:3 mean?

Matthew 6:3 teaches that when you give to those in need, you should do it so quietly and privately that even your “left hand” does not know what your “right hand” is doing. The verse emphasizes keeping acts of charity humble and hidden, rather than seeking attention or praise from others.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing how they should practice giving (“alms”) in a way that is sincere and not for show. The picture of the left hand not knowing what the right hand does is a vivid way to say that giving should be so discreet that it is almost secret, even from oneself. This teaching fits into a larger section where Jesus warns against doing good deeds just to be seen by others.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:3

  • ἐλεημοσύνην (eleēmosynēn, “alms”): This word refers specifically to acts of charity or giving to the poor. The focus is on practical help, not just general kindness or religious duty.
  • γινωσκέτω (ginōsketō, “let...know”): The Greek word for “know” here carries the sense of being aware or informed. The phrase suggests a level of secrecy or privacy that goes beyond just not telling others; it is about not drawing attention even within oneself.
  • δεξιά (dexia, “right hand”) and ἀριστερά (aristera, “left hand”): The use of both hands in this saying is a figure of speech, highlighting the idea of complete discretion and lack of self-consciousness in giving.

Why Matthew 6:3 matters

  • Matthew 6:3 corrects the common tendency to seek recognition for good deeds, reminding readers that true generosity is not about public approval.
  • This verse highlights the importance of inner motives in religious practice, a theme that runs throughout the Sermon on the Mount.
  • By placing this teaching in the context of almsgiving, Jesus connects it to real-life actions, showing that faith is meant to be lived out quietly and sincerely.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Greek G710 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“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.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,