Matthew 6:18

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

That {G3704} thou appear {G5316} not {G3361} unto men {G444} to fast {G3522}, but {G235} unto thy {G4675} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} secret {G2927}: and {G2532} thy {G4675} Father {G3962}, which {G3588} seeth {G991} in {G1722} secret {G2927}, shall reward {G591} thee {G4671} openly {G1722}{G5318}.

so that no one will know you are fasting -- except your Father, who is with you in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

Matthew 6:18 is part of Jesus' profound teachings on true righteousness, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount. This specific verse concludes Jesus' instruction on fasting, emphasizing the motive behind such spiritual disciplines.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' teaching on giving alms (Matthew 6:1-4) and prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), where a consistent theme emerges: genuine religious acts should be performed for God's glory, not for human applause. Just as one should give alms in secret and pray in secret, so too should fasting be a private act of devotion between the individual and God. Jesus contrasts this with the "hypocrites" who disfigure their faces to draw attention to their fasting, seeking praise from men.

Key Themes

  • Sincerity in Devotion: The primary message is about the heart's attitude. True spiritual discipline is not an outward show but an inward commitment to God.
  • Private Piety: Fasting, like other spiritual practices, is presented as an intimate act between the believer and God, free from the desire for human recognition.
  • God's Omniscience: The phrase "thy Father, which seeth in secret" underscores God's perfect knowledge of all things, even our most hidden thoughts and actions. He sees beyond outward appearances to the true motive.
  • Divine Reward: Jesus promises that God will "reward thee openly." This reward is not necessarily material or immediate, but it signifies God's faithfulness to acknowledge and bless genuine acts of faith, whether in this life or the next.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "in secret" (Greek: en tō krypto - ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ) highlights the hidden, private nature of the act. Conversely, "openly" (Greek: en tō phanerō - ἐν τῷ φανερῷ) indicates a public manifestation of God's favor or blessing. This stark contrast emphasizes the shift from human observation to divine observation and subsequent divine affirmation.

Practical Application

Matthew 6:18 challenges believers to examine their motives for all spiritual disciplines and acts of service. It encourages a humble, authentic faith that seeks God's approval above all else. This principle extends beyond fasting to all areas of life where one might be tempted to perform for an audience. Cultivating a life of doing things "as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23) fosters a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, knowing that He sees, knows, and will ultimately honor true devotion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 6:6

    But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

  • Matthew 6:4

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

  • 2 Corinthians 10:18

    For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

  • Colossians 3:24

    Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:9

    Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    ¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

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