Matthew 6:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {G4337} that ye do {G4160} not {G3361} your {G5216} alms {G1654} before {G1715} men {G444}, to be seen {G4314}{G2300} of them {G846}: otherwise {G1490} ye have {G2192} no {G3756} reward {G3408} of {G3844} your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

American Standard Version

Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:1 serves as the foundational principle for Jesus' teaching on righteous acts within the Sermon on the Mount, immediately preceding His instructions on giving, prayer, and fasting. This verse sternly warns against performing acts of charity or piety with the primary motivation of gaining human recognition or applause. Jesus declares that seeking such outward validation negates any divine recompense, emphasizing that true spiritual reward comes solely from the Father who observes deeds done in secret, underscoring the paramount importance of internal motive over external display in all religious devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 6:1 opens the second major section of the Sermon on the Mount, following Jesus' exposition of the Law and true righteousness in [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and True Righteousness"). While [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and True Righteousness") focused on the internal disposition of the heart and the spirit of the Law, [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Piety and Trust in God") shifts to the practical outworking of that righteousness in specific religious duties. This verse acts as a prologue, establishing the overarching principle of motive that governs the subsequent discussions on almsgiving (verses 2-4), prayer (verses 5-15), and fasting (verses 16-18). It sets a stark contrast between the outward performance often practiced by the religious elite and the genuine, God-honoring devotion Jesus advocates, thereby linking the internal righteousness of [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees") with its authentic expression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, acts of piety such as almsgiving, prayer, and fasting were highly valued and widely practiced. However, there was a prevalent tendency, particularly among some Pharisees and religious leaders, to perform these acts publicly to gain honor and prestige from men. Synagogues, street corners, and public fasts were often chosen venues for such displays, as evidenced by Jesus' later condemnations in [Matthew 23:5-7](/matthew/23-5-7 "Matthew 23:5-7 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). The giving of "alms" (charity) was considered a meritorious act, believed to accrue spiritual credit. Jesus' teaching here directly confronts this cultural practice of seeking human validation for religious deeds, challenging the prevailing understanding of merit and reward. He calls His disciples to a radical departure from this performative piety, aligning their practices with the true heart of the Mosaic Law and prophetic tradition, which emphasized inward devotion over outward show (e.g., [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme introduced in [Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Warning Against Public Piety") is the **primacy of motive in religious practice**. Jesus unequivocally asserts that the *reason* behind an act of righteousness determines its spiritual value and divine reward. This theme is intricately woven throughout [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Piety and Trust in God"), where Jesus repeatedly contrasts actions done "before men" with those done "in secret" before God. A second crucial theme is the **distinction between earthly and heavenly reward**. Jesus presents a binary choice: human praise as the sole reward for public display, or divine reward from the Father for humble, hidden devotion. This highlights the eternal perspective that should govern a believer's actions, prioritizing God's approval over fleeting human commendation. Finally, the verse strongly addresses the issue of **authenticity versus hypocrisy**. By condemning actions performed "to be seen of them," Jesus directly confronts the pretense and insincerity that can corrupt religious practice, advocating for a faith that is genuine and consistent, rooted in a sincere desire to honor God alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** From ἔλεος (eleos), meaning "compassionateness." This term refers to acts of mercy, beneficence, or charitable giving, particularly towards the poor. In the context of first-century Judaism, it encompassed a broad range of righteous deeds, not just financial donations, but any act of piety or compassion. Jesus' use of this term here, and its subsequent specific application to giving in [Matthew 6:2-4](/matthew/6-2-4 "Matthew 6:2-4 - Giving Alms Secretly"), indicates that His principle applies to all expressions of practical righteousness.
* **to be seen (Greek, _theáomai'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to look closely at," and by implication, "to perceive" or "to visit." Here, in its passive infinitive form ("to be seen"), it emphasizes the *intent* of the actor to be observed, to put oneself on display, or to make a spectacle for others. It highlights the performative aspect of religious acts that Jesus condemns, where the ultimate goal is human recognition rather than genuine devotion to God.
* **reward (Greek, _misthós'_):** Apparently a primary word, signifying "pay for service," "wages," or "recompense," whether good or bad. In this context, it refers to the divine compensation or blessing that God bestows upon those who act righteously. Jesus' teaching implies that seeking human praise constitutes receiving one's "wages" in full from men, thereby forfeiting the infinitely more valuable "reward" that comes from God in heaven.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men":** This opening imperative serves as a solemn warning. "Take heed" (G4337, _proséchō_) implies a serious caution to pay attention and be watchful. The phrase "do not your alms before men" directly challenges the common practice of performing religious duties publicly for show. "Alms" here broadly refers to acts of righteousness or charity, setting the stage for the specific examples of giving, prayer, and fasting that follow. The core prohibition is not against doing good deeds, but against the *motive* and *manner* of their performance.
* **"to be seen of them":** This clause clarifies the specific motivation Jesus condemns. The Greek phrase emphasizes the *purpose* of being observed or put on display by others. It is the desire for human applause, recognition, or admiration that corrupts the righteous act, transforming it from an act of devotion to God into a performance for an earthly audience.
* **"otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.":** This final clause states the consequence of seeking human praise. If the motivation is to be seen by men, then human commendation *is* the reward, and there will be no further "reward" (G3408, _misthós_) from God. The "Father which is in heaven" highlights God's omniscience and His role as the ultimate judge and rewarder, contrasting His eternal, spiritual recompense with the fleeting, earthly praise of men.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:1 employs several powerful literary devices. **Admonition** is evident in the opening "Take heed," a direct and serious warning to the audience. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting two opposing motivations and their respective outcomes: performing acts "before men, to be seen of them" versus seeking "reward of your Father which is in heaven." This creates a clear dichotomy between earthly validation and divine approval. Furthermore, there is an implied **Cause and Effect** relationship: the cause is the motive (seeking human praise), and the effect is the loss of divine reward. The language is **Didactic**, serving to instruct and guide disciples in the proper practice of their faith, emphasizing internal purity over external show.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:1 lays a crucial theological foundation for understanding authentic righteousness as an inward disposition rather than an outward performance. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience, affirming that He sees and rewards what is done in secret, contrasting His eternal perspective with humanity's often superficial judgments. This verse teaches that genuine piety is not about accumulating human praise or religious merit, but about cultivating a heart solely devoted to God's glory. It challenges the human tendency towards self-glorification in spiritual matters, redirecting focus to the God who alone can truly reward. This principle is foundational to understanding the nature of true worship and discipleship, where the audience of one's life is ultimately God, not man.

* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "Proverbs 16:2 - All the Ways of a Man are Clean in His Own Eyes")
* [Luke 16:15](/luke/16-15 "Luke 16:15 - What is Highly Esteemed Among Men is Abominable in the Sight of God")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever You Do, Do Heartily, As to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:1 is a profound call to examine the deepest motivations of our hearts in all areas of life, especially in our acts of service, generosity, and spiritual devotion. In an age saturated with social media and public platforms, the temptation to perform good deeds for an audience is ever-present. This verse challenges us to ask: Am I doing this to be seen by others, to gain their approval or admiration, or am I doing it primarily as an act of worship and obedience to God? It encourages a radical shift from an external, performance-driven faith to an internal, God-centered one. The true measure of our righteousness is not in how many people witness our acts, but in the purity of our intention before the omniscient Father. Embracing this principle fosters humility, cultivates genuine devotion, and frees us from the exhausting pursuit of human validation, allowing us to rest in the secure knowledge that our Father, who sees in secret, will openly reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations when I engage in acts of service, charity, or spiritual discipline?**
* **How does the desire for human recognition or praise subtly influence my actions, even good ones?**
* **In what areas of my life can I practice more "secret" acts of devotion or generosity, known only to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval above all else, even when it means foregoing human commendation?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 6:1 mean we should never do good deeds publicly?**

Answer: No, Matthew 6:1 does not prohibit all public acts of righteousness. Jesus Himself performed many miracles and taught openly. The key is the *motive*. The warning is against doing deeds *for the purpose of being seen* by men, that is, with the primary intention of gaining human praise or recognition. Jesus later teaches in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine Before Men") that believers should "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The distinction is crucial: public good works are commendable when they lead others to glorify God, not when they lead to self-glorification. The focus is always on God's honor, not our own.

**What does Jesus mean by "reward" in this context?**

Answer: The "reward" (Greek, _misthós_) Jesus refers to is the divine recompense or blessing that comes from God. It is not necessarily a material reward, but a spiritual one, encompassing God's approval, favor, and the eternal blessings of His kingdom. By stating that those who seek human praise "have no reward of your Father," Jesus implies that human applause *is* their reward, and it is a fleeting, earthly one that carries no eternal value. In contrast, actions done with pure motives, solely for God's glory, secure an eternal, heavenly reward from the Father, as further elaborated in [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Your Father Will Reward You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike the hypocritical religious leaders He condemned, Jesus consistently performed His acts of righteousness, compassion, and healing not "to be seen of men," but out of perfect obedience to His Father and profound love for humanity. His entire life was a seamless demonstration of seeking the Father's glory alone, as He Himself declared, "I seek not mine own glory" ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Glory")). From His humble birth in a manger ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger")) to His quiet acts of service, such as washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), Jesus consistently exemplified a life lived without ostentation or a desire for human applause. The pinnacle of this principle is His atoning sacrifice on the cross. This ultimate act of righteousness was not performed for human commendation, but as the fulfillment of the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")) to redeem humanity, culminating in His glorification by the Father ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus is the embodiment of the very principle He teaches: true righteousness is motivated by love for God and others, performed in humility, and rewarded by the Father who sees in secret.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

John 12:43

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Matthew 23:28

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Matthew 23:30

And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Luke 16:15

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Matthew 6:4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.