Matthew 6:2

Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Therefore {G3767} when {G3752} thou doest {G4160} thine alms {G1654}, do {G4537} not {G3361} sound a trumpet {G4537} before {G1715} thee {G4675}, as {G5618} the hypocrites {G5273} do {G4160} in {G1722} the synagogues {G4864} and {G2532} in {G1722} the streets {G4505}, that {G3704} they may have glory {G1392} of {G5259} men {G444}. Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, They have {G568} their {G846} reward {G3408}.

So, when you do tzedakah, don't announce it with trumpets to win people's praise, like the hypocrites in the synagogues and on the streets. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!

So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

Commentary

In Matthew 6:2, Jesus continues His teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing the practice of alms-giving. This verse sets a crucial principle regarding the motive behind religious acts, warning against ostentation and seeking human applause.

Context

This verse is the first specific example given after the general principle laid out in Matthew 6:1, which states that good deeds should not be done "to be seen of men." Alms-giving (charity) was a highly valued religious duty in ancient Jewish society, alongside prayer and fasting. Jesus is not condemning the act of giving itself, but the manner and motive behind it. The phrase "sound a trumpet before thee" is likely a hyperbolic expression, vividly illustrating the desire to draw attention to one's charitable acts, rather than a literal practice. The "synagogues and in the streets" were public places where such displays would be most visible.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sincerity of Motive: The core message is that the true value of a charitable act lies in the heart's intention. Giving should stem from genuine compassion and devotion to God, not from a desire for public recognition or social prestige.
  • Warning Against Hypocrisy: Jesus explicitly names "hypocrites" (Greek: hypokritēs, meaning "actor" or "one who wears a mask") as those who perform religious duties for show. Their actions are a performance designed to impress others, lacking true spiritual substance.
  • Nature of Reward: Jesus declares, "They have their reward." This signifies that those who seek human praise receive exactly that – temporary human glory. However, they forfeit any eternal reward from God, as their focus was not on Him. This contrasts sharply with the promise of reward from the Father who sees in secret.

Linguistic Insights

The term "alms" comes from the Greek word eleēmosynē, which means "mercy" or "deeds of mercy/charity." This highlights that giving is an act of compassion. The word "hypocrites" (hypokritēs) powerfully conveys the idea of someone playing a role, emphasizing the disconnect between their outward religious performance and their inward spiritual reality. Jesus' use of "Verily I say unto you" (Greek: Amēn legō hymin) underscores the absolute truth and solemnity of His statement, stressing the certainty of their self-sought reward.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their motives in all acts of service, giving, and worship. Are we serving God and others out of genuine love and obedience, or are we seeking applause, recognition, or validation from people? It encourages a spirit of humility and secret generosity, reminding us that true spiritual growth and lasting reward come from focusing on God's approval rather than human praise. As Colossians 3:23-24 teaches, we should "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:5 (15 votes)

    And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

  • Matthew 6:16 (10 votes)

    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.

  • James 2:15 (9 votes)

    If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

  • James 2:16 (9 votes)

    And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

  • John 5:41 (9 votes)

    I receive not honour from men.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6 (9 votes)

    ¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:15 (9 votes)

    Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.