Matthew 6:17

KJV

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} thou {G4771}, when thou fastest {G3522}, anoint {G218} thine {G4675} head {G2776}, and {G2532} wash {G3538} thy {G4675} face {G4383};

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, when you fast, wash your face and groom yourself,

Berean Standard Bible

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

American Standard Version

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:17 presents Jesus' counter-cultural instruction regarding the spiritual discipline of fasting, urging His disciples to perform this act of devotion in a manner that avoids public display. In direct contrast to the hypocritical practices of those who disfigure their faces to appear pious, Jesus commands His followers to maintain a normal, well-groomed appearance, ensuring that their fasting remains a private act of worship directed solely toward God. This verse underscores the profound importance of sincerity and motive in all spiritual disciplines, emphasizing that true reward comes from the Father who sees in secret, not from human recognition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 6:17 is an integral part of Jesus' extended discourse on true righteousness within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Specifically, it falls within a section (Matthew 6:1-18) where Jesus addresses three foundational pillars of Jewish piety: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. In each instance, Jesus contrasts the outward, performative piety of the hypocrites with the sincere, private devotion expected of His followers. He begins this section by establishing the overarching principle in [Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Do Not Practice Your Righteousness Before Others"), stating that acts of righteousness should not be done "to be seen by others." This verse directly follows Jesus' condemnation of those who "disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others" in [Matthew 6:16](/matthew/6-16 "Matthew 6:16 - Hypocritical Fasting"), setting up a clear antithesis between their public display and the private practice He advocates. The instruction to "anoint thine head, and wash thy face" serves as the concrete, practical application of the principle of private piety for the discipline of fasting, mirroring the call for secret almsgiving in [Matthew 6:2-4](/matthew/6-2-4 "Matthew 6:2-4 - Giving to the Needy in Secret") and private prayer in [Matthew 6:5-6](/matthew/6-5-6 "Matthew 6:5-6 - Praying in Secret").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a deeply ingrained and highly respected spiritual discipline in ancient Judaism, practiced both communally (e.g., on the Day of Atonement, [Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Day of Atonement Fast")) and individually. By Jesus' time, certain religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, were known for their rigorous adherence to such practices, often making them public spectacles to gain admiration. It was common for those fasting to adopt a mournful or unkempt appearance, refraining from washing or anointing themselves with oil, as a visible sign of their self-denial and sorrow. Anointing the head with oil and washing the face were routine daily hygiene practices in the warm climate of Judea, signifying normalcy and well-being. Oil was used for moisturizing, protection from the sun, and general grooming, often accompanied by a pleasant fragrance. By instructing His disciples to continue these ordinary practices while fasting, Jesus directly challenged the prevailing cultural norm of public asceticism. He advocated for a spiritual discipline that was authentic and inward, rather than one designed for outward show or human approval.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount") and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The most prominent theme is the **contrast between sincerity and hypocrisy**. Jesus consistently exposes the superficiality of religious performance driven by a desire for human praise, contrasting it with genuine devotion that seeks God's approval alone. This is evident in His repeated warnings against the "hypocrites" (from the Greek _hypokritēs_, meaning "actor" or "one who wears a mask") throughout [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Righteousness"). Another key theme is **private piety and the unseen reward**. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness is not about external display but about an internal posture of the heart directed towards God. The promise that the Father "who sees in secret will reward you" (as stated in [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Reward for Secret Giving"), [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Reward for Secret Prayer"), and [Matthew 6:18](/matthew/6-18 "Matthew 6:18 - Reward for Secret Fasting")) underscores God's valuing of hidden acts of faith. The verse also highlights the **importance of motive**, arguing that the spiritual value of an act is determined by the intention of the heart, not by its outward appearance or public recognition. This principle permeates Jesus' teaching, challenging His followers to cultivate an inner righteousness that transcends mere external observance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fastest (Greek, _nēsteúō'_):** From G3522, this verb means "to abstain from food (re ligiously)." It specifically refers to the spiritual discipline of refraining from eating for a period, typically for purposes of prayer, repentance, or seeking God's will. In this context, Jesus acknowledges the practice of fasting as a legitimate spiritual discipline, but redirects the focus from its outward manifestation to its inward intention.
* **anoint (Greek, _aleíphō'_):** From G218, this verb means "to oil (with perfume)." It refers to the common practice of applying oil, often scented, to the body, particularly the head. This was a routine part of personal hygiene and grooming in ancient times, signifying normalcy, comfort, and well-being. By instructing His disciples to anoint their heads while fasting, Jesus commands them to maintain a normal, well-kept appearance, avoiding any outward signs that might draw attention to their spiritual discipline.
* **face (Greek, _prósōpon'_):** From G4383, this noun refers to "the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person." In this verse, it specifically denotes the visible part of the head. Washing the face was another routine act of hygiene. Jesus' instruction to "wash thy face" reinforces the command to appear normal and refreshed, in stark contrast to the "dismal countenance" (KJV: "disfigure their faces") of the hypocrites mentioned in the preceding verse, who deliberately neglected their appearance to signal their fasting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, when thou fastest,"**: This opening clause, introduced by the adversative particle "But" (G1161, _dé_), immediately sets up a contrast with the hypocritical practices described in [Matthew 6:16](/matthew/6-16 "Matthew 6:16 - Hypocritical Fasting"). The emphasis is on the individual ("thou"), making the instruction personal and direct. It acknowledges that fasting is a valid spiritual practice for Jesus' disciples, but it must be undertaken with a different spirit and method than that of the public performers.
* **"anoint thine head,"**: This is the first of two specific, practical commands. Anointing the head with oil was a common daily grooming practice, symbolizing health, refreshment, and normalcy. In the context of fasting, it directly counters the practice of neglecting one's appearance to show outward signs of self-denial. Jesus instructs His followers to continue this routine act, ensuring that their fasting remains a private matter between them and God, undetectable by others.
* **"and wash thy face;"**: The second specific command, connected by "and" (G2532, _kaí_), reinforces the first. Washing the face was another basic act of personal hygiene, contributing to a fresh and normal appearance. Together with anointing the head, this instruction ensures that the one who is fasting does not outwardly betray their spiritual discipline. The purpose is to avoid any visual cues that might invite human praise or recognition, thereby preserving the integrity and privacy of the act before God.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:17 primarily employs **Contrast** and **Imperative Mood** to convey its message. The verse stands in stark **contrast** to the preceding verse ([Matthew 6:16](/matthew/6-16 "Matthew 6:16 - Hypocritical Fasting")), where Jesus condemns those who "disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others." The "But thou" (G1161, _dé_) explicitly highlights this antithesis, setting up a direct opposition between the hypocritical public display and the sincere private practice. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("anoint," "wash") indicates a direct command, underscoring the authority and seriousness of Jesus' instruction. These are not suggestions but clear directives for His disciples' conduct. Furthermore, there is an implied **Symbolism** in the actions themselves: anointing the head and washing the face are symbolic of maintaining a normal, well-groomed appearance, which in turn symbolizes the internal state of humility and sincerity that seeks God's approval rather than human applause. The outward actions are a physical manifestation of an inward spiritual disposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:17 is a cornerstone in Jesus' teaching on authentic piety, emphasizing that the value of spiritual disciplines lies not in their public visibility but in the sincerity of the heart and the privacy of the act before God. Theologically, it underscores God's nature as one who "sees in secret" and rewards accordingly, contrasting divine approval with fleeting human praise. This verse elevates the importance of inward righteousness over outward show, challenging believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Father that transcends external performance. It teaches that true worship and devotion are primarily directed towards God, who discerns the motives of the heart, rather than being performed for the observation or commendation of others. This principle applies to all aspects of the Christian life, advocating for a humble and genuine walk with God where the desire to please Him outweighs any desire for human recognition.

* [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Reward for Secret Giving")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:17 calls us to a profound self-examination regarding our motives in all spiritual practices, whether it be prayer, giving, service, or fasting. In a world increasingly driven by outward appearances and social validation, Jesus' words serve as a timeless antidote to performative piety. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to God, seeking His approval above all else. It reminds us that our most impactful spiritual growth often occurs in the quiet, unseen moments of devotion, where our focus is solely on the Father who sees in secret. Authentic faith does not need to announce itself or draw attention to its sacrifices; rather, it finds its reward in the intimate communion with God and the knowledge that He alone truly sees, knows, and rewards our sincere efforts. This principle encourages humility, integrity, and a deep reliance on God's unseen presence in our lives, fostering a spirituality that is robust and rooted in genuine love for Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be tempted to seek human praise rather than God's approval?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of private devotion that is truly between me and God, free from external pressures?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my acts of piety are motivated by sincerity and humility, rather than a desire for recognition?**
* **How does the promise that "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" encourage and challenge my approach to spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell His disciples to anoint their head and wash their face when they fast?**

Answer: Jesus' instruction to "anoint thine head, and wash thy face" was a direct counter-cultural command intended to distinguish His followers' practice of fasting from that of the hypocrites. In ancient Jewish culture, it was common for those who fasted publicly to neglect their personal hygiene, appearing disheveled or mournful to signal their self-denial and garner admiration. This practice is explicitly condemned in [Matthew 6:16](/matthew/6-16 "Matthew 6:16 - Hypocritical Fasting"), where Jesus states that hypocrites "disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others." By contrast, anointing the head with oil and washing the face were routine daily practices that signified normalcy and well-being. Jesus was essentially telling His disciples to act completely normal, to blend in, and to give no outward indication that they were fasting. The purpose was to ensure that their fasting remained a private act of devotion between them and God, free from any motivation to seek human praise or recognition. The reward for such sincere, private piety comes from God, "who sees in secret" ([Matthew 6:18](/matthew/6-18 "Matthew 6:18 - God Sees in Secret")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:17, while giving practical instruction on fasting, ultimately points to the very character and example of Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of private piety and sincere devotion. Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to secluded places for prayer and communion with the Father, demonstrating a life lived not for public acclaim but for divine approval ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray") and [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place")). Unlike the hypocrites He condemned, Jesus' righteousness was an internal reality, flowing from a heart fully surrendered to God's will, rather than an outward performance. His entire life was a testament to seeking the Father's glory above all else, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, a sacrifice motivated purely by love and devotion, not by the desire for human applause ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ's teaching here foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on the Spirit-led transformation of the heart over mere external religious observance ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")). He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the law's true intent, demonstrating that true spirituality is about an authentic relationship with God, seen and rewarded by the Father, rather than a show for human eyes. As our great High Priest, Jesus understands our struggles with outward performance, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), and He calls us to follow His example of humble, sincere devotion.

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

Ruth 3:3

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: [but] make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

2 Samuel 12:20

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed [himself], and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

Daniel 10:3

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

2 Samuel 14:2

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: