Matthew 6:16

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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!

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus continues His discourse on genuine righteousness within the Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing the spiritual discipline of fasting. He sternly cautions His followers against adopting the ostentatious practices of the "hypocrites," who intentionally alter their appearance to publicly signal their fasting and garner human praise. Jesus underscores that such outward displays, driven by a desire for human recognition rather than sincere devotion to God, constitute their sole reward, thereby forfeiting any divine commendation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 6:16 is situated within the broader framework of [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"), where Jesus outlines the principles of kingdom living. It forms the third part of a triad of teachings on righteous acts, following His instructions on [almsgiving](/matthew/6-2-4 "Matthew 6:2-4 - Giving to the Needy") (Matthew 6:2-4) and [prayer](/matthew/6-5-15 "Matthew 6:5-15 - How to Pray") (Matthew 6:5-15). In each instance, Jesus contrasts the public, performance-driven piety of the "hypocrites" with the private, heart-centered devotion that God truly values. The consistent theme is that true spiritual disciplines are performed for God's eyes alone, not for human applause, culminating in the promise of a reward from the Father who "sees in secret."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a common and highly respected spiritual discipline in ancient Judaism, practiced both individually and communally. While the Mosaic Law mandated only one annual fast on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Day of Atonement Fast")), devout Jews, particularly the Pharisees, often observed additional voluntary fasts, commonly on Mondays and Thursdays. In this cultural milieu, public displays of piety were common, and those who fasted might intentionally neglect their appearance—refusing to wash, anoint themselves with oil, or groom—to emphasize their supposed asceticism and draw attention to their spiritual devotion. This outward show was meant to elicit admiration and respect from others, reinforcing their perceived righteousness within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching. Foremost is the theme of **Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy**, where Jesus directly challenges superficial religious observance. The term "hypocrites" (Greek: _hypokritēs_) literally means 'actor' or 'pretender,' highlighting the performative nature of their piety. Relatedly, the **Motivation in Religious Practice** is paramount; Jesus teaches that the heart's intention, not the outward act, determines its spiritual value. Fasting, when done to impress people, loses its sacred purpose and becomes a mere performance. Finally, the theme of **Divine vs. Human Approval** is central. Jesus' declaration, "They have their reward," signifies that the human praise sought and received is the only recompense such individuals will ever gain, contrasting sharply with the ["reward of your Father which seeth in secret"](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - God Rewards in Secret") promised to those whose devotion is genuine and private, as also seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs_):** (G5273) This term, from which we derive "hypocrite," originally referred to an actor or stage-player in ancient Greek theater. Jesus' use of this word is highly significant, portraying those who perform religious duties for public acclaim as merely playing a role, lacking genuine internal devotion. They are dissemblers, presenting a false front of piety.
* **disfigure (Greek, _aphanízō_):** (G853) This verb means "to render unapparent, consume, or disfigure." In this context, it describes the intentional act of neglecting one's appearance—perhaps by not washing, anointing with oil, or grooming—to look mournful, unkempt, or visibly suffering. The goal was to make their fasting obvious to others, thereby drawing attention and sympathy.
* **reward (Greek, _misthós_):** (G3408) This word refers to pay for service, wages, or recompense, whether good or bad. Jesus' statement, "They have their reward," is a poignant declaration that the human praise and recognition they sought is the full and final payment for their actions. They have already received what they desired, and there will be no further spiritual or eternal reward from God for their self-serving piety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:":** Jesus introduces the topic of fasting, a common religious practice, and immediately issues a negative command. He warns against imitating the "hypocrites," whose outward demeanor during fasting is characterized by a "sad countenance" (Greek: _skythrōpós_, meaning gloomy or affecting a mournful appearance). This sadness is not a natural byproduct of spiritual discipline but a deliberate display.
* **"for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.":** This clause provides the reason for the hypocrites' sad appearance: they intentionally "disfigure their faces." This act of neglecting their normal grooming (e.g., not washing or anointing with oil, which was customary in daily life) is done with a specific, self-serving purpose: "that they may appear unto men to fast." Their motivation is entirely external, aimed at human observation and approval, rather than internal devotion to God.
* **"Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.":** Jesus concludes with a solemn declaration, introduced by "Verily" (Greek: _amḗn_, truly or surely). This emphasizes the absolute truth of His statement. The "reward" they receive is precisely what they sought: the praise and admiration of people. This human applause is their complete payment, signifying that they will receive no spiritual or eternal commendation from God for acts performed with such self-glorifying motives.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent **Literary Devices** in Matthew 6:16 to convey His message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, where He starkly juxtaposes the authentic, private spiritual discipline He advocates with the performative, public piety of the "hypocrites." This contrast highlights the difference between genuine devotion and superficial religiosity. The term "hypocrites" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, likening those who seek human praise to actors playing a role on a stage, emphasizing their inauthenticity. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in Jesus' declaration, "They have their reward." While "reward" typically implies something positive and desirable, here it carries a negative connotation, signifying that the only "pay" they will receive is the fleeting human recognition they craved, implying a profound spiritual loss. This ironic statement underscores the futility of seeking human approval over divine commendation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:16 profoundly shapes our understanding of true worship and spiritual discipline. It asserts that the heart's posture and underlying motivation are paramount in all religious acts. God is not impressed by outward displays of piety designed to garner human praise, but rather by sincere devotion that seeks His glory alone. This verse challenges believers to constantly examine their motives, ensuring that their acts of worship, service, and sacrifice flow from a genuine desire to honor God and draw closer to Him, rather than from a need for human affirmation or recognition. It reinforces the theological truth that God sees beyond the visible, discerning the intentions of the heart, and that true spiritual reward comes from Him alone.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Proverbs 21:2](/proverbs/21-2 "Proverbs 21:2 - The Lord Weighs the Heart")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:16 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting every believer to critically examine the motives behind their spiritual practices. In a world increasingly driven by external validation and social media performance, Jesus' words are a powerful antidote to superficiality. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, private relationship with God, where our acts of worship, prayer, giving, and fasting are performed primarily for His eyes, not for human applause. True spiritual growth and intimacy with God flourish in the secret place, where our hearts are laid bare before Him. When our primary audience is God, our spiritual disciplines become transformative, fostering genuine humility and dependence on Him. This passage encourages us to seek the "unseen" reward that comes from a Father who truly sees and honors sincerity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be tempted to seek human approval rather than God's?**
* **How can I cultivate a more private and sincere approach to spiritual disciplines like prayer, giving, and fasting?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly "have my reward" in the context of seeking human praise?**
* **How can I ensure my acts of service and worship are truly Christ-centered and not self-centered?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus calling them "hypocrites"?**

Answer: The term "hypocrites" (Greek: _hypokritḗs_) originally referred to an actor on a stage. By using this term, Jesus vividly portrays those who perform religious duties for public acclaim as merely playing a role, lacking genuine internal devotion. It highlights their inauthenticity and the performative nature of their piety, emphasizing that their actions are a show designed to impress an audience rather than an expression of true worship.

**What does it mean to "disfigure their faces" when fasting?**

Answer: To "disfigure their faces" (Greek: _aphanízō_) means to make one's appearance unattractive, neglected, or mournful. In Jesus' time, it was customary to wash and anoint oneself with oil daily. Those who wanted to publicly advertise their fasting would intentionally neglect these practices, perhaps appearing unkempt, unwashed, or with a visibly somber countenance. This was a deliberate act to draw attention to their supposed spiritual suffering and piety, aiming to elicit admiration and respect from others, rather than to genuinely humble themselves before God.

**What "reward" do the hypocrites receive, according to Jesus?**

Answer: Jesus states, "They have their reward." This means that the applause, recognition, and praise they receive from other people for their public displays of piety are the *only* reward they will ever get. They have already received their full payment in the form of human admiration. This contrasts sharply with the promise of a "reward from your Father who sees in secret" for those who practice genuine, private devotion ([Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - God Rewards in Secret")). For the hypocrites, there is no further spiritual or eternal commendation from God, as their actions were not motivated by love for Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:16, like all of Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus perfectly embodies the authentic righteousness He preaches, demonstrating a life lived entirely for the Father's glory, utterly devoid of self-promotion or a desire for human applause. Unlike the hypocrites, Jesus' life was a continuous act of humble obedience, seeking not His own will but the will of the Father who sent Him ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")). His ultimate act of fasting and self-denial was not a public spectacle but the silent, agonizing journey to the cross, where He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death ([Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a new covenant where external rituals are secondary to the internal transformation of the heart, enabling believers to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the one who truly "sees in secret" and rewards those who, through faith in Him, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of genuine, God-honoring devotion, free from the need for human validation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

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.