Matthew 6:16

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.

Moreover {G1161} when {G3752} ye fast {G3522}, be {G1096} not {G3361}, as {G5618} the hypocrites {G5273}, of a sad countenance {G4659}: for {G1063} they disfigure {G853} their {G846} faces {G4383}, that {G3704} they may appear {G5316} unto men {G444} to fast {G3522}. Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} They have {G568} their {G846} reward {G3408}.

"Now when you fast, don't go around looking miserable, like the hypocrites. They make sour faces so that people will know they are fasting. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!

When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

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

Commentary

Matthew 6:16 is part of Jesus' profound Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing the spiritual discipline of fasting. In this verse, Jesus warns against performing religious acts, like fasting, with the primary aim of being seen and praised by others, emphasizing the importance of genuine motivation and sincerity in one's devotion to God.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' teachings on almsgiving (Matthew 6:2-4) and prayer (Matthew 6:5-15). In all three instances, the central theme is consistent: true righteousness is not an outward display for human admiration but a sincere act of devotion to God. Jesus contrasts the practices of the "hypocrites" – those who perform their religious duties for public recognition – with the humble, private worship that is seen and rewarded by God.

Key Themes

  • Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy: Jesus directly confronts the practice of hypocrisy in religious observance. The "hypocrites" (Greek: hypokritēs, meaning 'actor' or 'pretender') intentionally altered their appearance to signal their fasting to others, seeking human praise rather than divine approval.
  • Motivation in Religious Practice: The verse powerfully conveys that the heart's intention is paramount in all spiritual disciplines. Fasting, when done to impress people, loses its spiritual value and becomes a mere performance. God values sincerity and a desire to draw closer to Him above all outward show.
  • Divine vs. Human Approval: Jesus states, "They have their reward." This indicates that the applause and recognition received from men is the only reward these individuals will ever get. There is no further spiritual or eternal reward from God for actions performed with such self-serving motives, contrasting sharply with the "reward of your Father which seeth in secret" mentioned earlier in the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "hypocrites" (Greek: hypokritēs) originally referred to an actor on a stage. Jesus uses this vivid imagery to describe those who merely play a role of piety without genuine devotion, highlighting their inauthenticity.
  • The phrase "disfigure their faces" comes from the Greek word aphanizō, which means to "make unseen, abolish, or disfigure." It suggests that they would neglect their appearance, perhaps not washing or anointing themselves, or even intentionally making themselves look miserable and unkempt to draw attention to their perceived suffering during fasting.

Practical Application

Matthew 6:16 is a timeless warning for believers to examine their motives in all acts of worship and service. It encourages a focus on a private, sincere relationship with God rather than seeking human affirmation. When we engage in spiritual disciplines like fasting, prayer, or giving, our primary audience should always be God. True spiritual growth and reward come from a heart devoted to Him, not from the accolades of others. This verse reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just the outward appearance, a principle echoed throughout Scripture (1 Samuel 16:7).

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
The Sermon on the Mount: An Overview The Unforgiving Servant: A Parable Character Study 3 Key Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount The Beatitudes: The Upside-Down Kingdom The Great Commission: A Closer Look at Matthew 28:18-20

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 58:3

    ¶ Wherefore have we fasted, [say they], and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

  • Isaiah 58:5

    Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

  • Matthew 9:14

    ¶ Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

  • Matthew 9:15

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  • Nehemiah 1:4

    And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

  • Daniel 9:3

    And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

  • Luke 18:12

    I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
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