Matthew 6:3

KJV

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when thou {G4675} doest {G4160} alms {G1654}, let {G1097} not {G3361} thy {G4675} left hand {G710} know {G1097} what {G5101} thy {G4675} right hand {G1188} doeth {G4160}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, when you do tzedakah, don't even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

Berean Standard Bible

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

American Standard Version

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:3 presents Jesus' radical instruction on charitable giving, urging believers to practice such acts with profound humility and absolute discretion. This vivid idiom, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth," emphasizes that acts of generosity should be so private and free from self-promotion that even the giver is not conscious of seeking praise or recognition, ensuring the purity of motive and that the reward comes from God alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-1-7-29 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically in the section addressing true righteousness that transcends outward religious performance. It directly follows Jesus' overarching warning in [Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Do not practice your righteousness to be seen by others") against performing righteous deeds "to be seen of men." More immediately, it contrasts with the condemned practice of hypocrites who "sound a trumpet" when they give alms in [Matthew 6:2](/matthew/6-2 "Matthew 6:2 - The Hypocrites' Public Almsgiving"). Jesus establishes a clear dichotomy between public, self-glorifying acts that receive only human praise and private, God-honoring acts that receive divine reward, a promise explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - God rewards secret acts"). This teaching sets the stage for similar instructions on prayer ([Matthew 6:5-6](/matthew/6-5-6 "Matthew 6:5-6 - Praying in Secret")) and fasting ([Matthew 6:16-18](/matthew/6-16-18 "Matthew 6:16-18 - Fasting in Secret")), forming a cohesive unit on genuine piety.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, almsgiving (Hebrew: *tzedakah*) was a highly esteemed religious duty, often performed publicly. It was seen as an act of righteousness and a means of demonstrating piety. Synagogues often had collection boxes, and public announcements of donations were not uncommon, sometimes even accompanied by trumpet blasts, as suggested by Jesus' critique in [Matthew 6:2](/matthew/6-2 "Matthew 6:2 - The Hypocrites' Public Almsgiving"). This public display could lead to a focus on human praise and social status rather than genuine compassion or devotion to God. Jesus' teaching directly challenges this prevailing cultural norm, advocating for a radical shift from external validation to internal purity of motive. His call for absolute secrecy would have been counter-cultural, emphasizing a spiritual revolution where the heart's intent, known only to God, superseded all outward show.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-1-7-29 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount") and the broader book of Matthew. A primary theme is **True Righteousness vs. Hypocrisy**. Jesus consistently contrasts the superficial piety of the religious elite with the authentic, heart-driven righteousness He desires for His followers. This teaching on almsgiving is a prime example, demanding a sincerity of motive that transcends outward performance. Another key theme is **God's Omniscience and Reward**. The emphasis on secret giving underscores the belief that God "sees in secret" ([Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - God sees and rewards secret acts")) and will reward those whose actions are motivated by genuine faith and love, not human applause. This highlights the value of **Humility** in the Kingdom of God, where self-abasement and service are elevated above self-aggrandizement. Finally, it speaks to the **Purity of Motive**, asserting that the spiritual efficacy of an act is determined not by its visibility or the praise it garners, but by the heart from which it springs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doest (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb, G4160, is a very broad term meaning "to make or do." In the context of almsgiving, it signifies the active performance of the charitable act. It implies not just the intention but the actual execution of giving. Jesus is not speaking theoretically but about the practical act of "doing" alms, emphasizing that the manner of execution is as crucial as the act itself.
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** G1654, derived from *eleos* (mercy), refers to "compassionateness" specifically as exercised towards the poor, manifesting as "beneficence" or a "benefaction." This word highlights that almsgiving is not merely a transaction but an act rooted in mercy and compassion for those in need. It underscores the spiritual and ethical dimension of the act, connecting it to the broader concept of mercy that is central to God's character and His kingdom.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** G1097, meaning "to know" in a deep, experiential sense, often implying understanding or perception. In this idiomatic expression, it refers to the awareness or consciousness of the act. The instruction "let not thy left hand know" signifies such extreme discretion that there is no internal or external boasting, no self-congratulation, and no seeking of recognition, even from one's own self-awareness. It demands a giving that is utterly selfless and unnoticed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when thou doest alms,"**: This introductory clause sets the stage, acknowledging the common and expected practice of giving charity. The "but" (G1161, *dé*) introduces a contrast, signaling that Jesus is about to present a different, counter-cultural approach to this established religious duty. It assumes the act of almsgiving will occur, focusing instead on *how* it should be done.
* **"let not thy left hand know"**: This is the first part of the striking idiom. It personifies the left hand, instructing it to remain ignorant of the right hand's actions. This is a hyperbolic way of emphasizing extreme secrecy. It means that the act of giving should be done without any self-awareness of seeking praise, without any internal or external boasting, and without drawing any attention to oneself. The giver should be so humble and discreet that it's as if even their own body parts are unaware of the public implications of the charitable act.
* **"what thy right hand doeth:"**: This completes the idiom, referring to the act of giving itself, traditionally performed with the right hand. The phrase implies that the giving should be so private that the left hand, metaphorically representing any part of the self or external observer, should not be privy to the action. It underscores the principle that the act of charity is solely between the giver and God, with no human audience or recognition sought.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:3 employs a powerful **Idiom** and **Hyperbole** to convey its message. The phrase "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" is a vivid Hebraic idiom, not to be taken literally, but understood as a figurative expression for extreme secrecy and discretion. It's a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human capacity of "knowing" to the hands, to emphasize the profound level of privacy Jesus demands. The use of **Hyperbole** amplifies this point, suggesting an almost impossible level of unawareness, thereby underscoring the radical nature of the humility required. This exaggerated imagery effectively communicates the absolute necessity of giving without any desire for self-glorification or public recognition, ensuring the purity of the giver's motive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian giving, moving it from a public display of piety to an intimate act of devotion known only to God. It underscores the theological truth that God values the heart's motive above all outward appearances. True righteousness, as taught by Jesus, is not about human applause but about divine approval. It challenges believers to cultivate a spiritual discipline of radical humility, recognizing that all good deeds are ultimately empowered by God and should be performed for His glory alone. This principle extends beyond financial giving to all acts of service and kindness, calling us to a life lived before an audience of One.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Luke 12:33](/luke/12-33 "Luke 12:33 - Sell your possessions and give to the poor")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves a cheerful giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with social media and the constant temptation to publicize good deeds, Matthew 6:3 serves as a potent and counter-cultural challenge. It calls us to introspect deeply about our motivations for giving, serving, or performing any act of kindness. Are we seeking validation from peers, building our personal brand, or truly aiming to honor God and meet genuine needs? This verse encourages a radical reorientation of our hearts, moving away from outward show towards an internal posture of humility and selfless love. It compels us to find our ultimate satisfaction not in human praise, which is fleeting, but in the quiet assurance of God's approval, which is eternal. Practicing secret charity cultivates a deeper trust in God as our ultimate rewarder and frees us from the burden of performance, allowing us to give with pure joy and genuine compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations when I engage in acts of generosity or service? Am I seeking human recognition or divine approval?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly "letting my left hand know" what my right hand is doing, even if not overtly publicizing it?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and discretion in my giving, especially in an era of constant public sharing?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my charitable acts are truly secret, known only to God and the recipient?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean I can never tell anyone about my charitable giving, even if it's for a good cause or to encourage others?**

Answer: Matthew 6:3 is primarily concerned with the *motive* behind giving, specifically warning against giving *in order to be seen by others* and receive human praise ([Matthew 6:1-2](/matthew/6-1-2 "Matthew 6:1-2 - Warning against public righteousness")). It's a call to purity of heart and humility. While the core principle is extreme discretion to avoid self-glorification, it doesn't necessarily forbid all forms of sharing about generosity. For example, sharing a testimony of God's provision and prompting to give, or encouraging others to participate in a worthy cause, can be done in a way that directs glory to God and inspires others, rather than drawing attention to oneself. The key is the heart's intent: is it for self-promotion or for God's glory and the good of others? If the latter, with careful attention to humility, it may align with other biblical principles of encouraging good works ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:3, with its radical call for secret and humble giving, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself lived a life of profound self-emptying and discreet service, never seeking human praise but always the glory of His Father. His ultimate act of giving was not a public display for accolades, but the quiet, sacrificial offering of His life on the cross, a giving so complete that it was for the sake of others, even His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His love")). He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man came to serve")). The divine generosity of God, epitomized in sending His only Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")), was not for human applause but out of pure, unadulterated love for a lost world. In Christ, we see the perfect example of humility ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")), where the greatest act of giving was done without fanfare, revealing a love that truly "lets not its left hand know what its right hand doeth" in its selfless devotion to the Father's will and humanity's redemption. Our secret acts of charity, motivated by love, are a reflection of the very heart of Christ, who gave all without seeking anything in return.

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

John 7:4

For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

Matthew 9:30

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

Mark 1:44

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Matthew 12:19

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

Matthew 8:4

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.