Matthew 6:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G3704} thine {G4675} alms {G1654} may be {G5600} in {G1722} secret {G2927}: and {G2532} thy {G4675} Father {G3962} which {G3588} seeth {G991} in {G1722} secret {G2927} himself {G846} shall reward {G591} thee {G4671} openly {G1722}{G5318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then your tzedakah will be in secret; and your Father, who sees what you do in secret, will reward you.

Berean Standard Bible

so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

American Standard Version

that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:4 concludes Jesus' instruction on almsgiving, emphasizing that true acts of charity should be performed in secret, driven by a pure heart rather than a desire for human recognition. It assures believers that God, who sees all hidden deeds and motives, will faithfully and publicly reward such sincere devotion, contrasting divine approval with fleeting human praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' teaching on almsgiving, which begins in [Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Warning Against Hypocritical Righteousness"). In [Matthew 6:2](/matthew/6-2 "Matthew 6:2 - Hypocritical Almsgiving"), Jesus explicitly warns against those who sound trumpets to announce their alms, likening them to "hypocrites" who have already received their full reward in human applause. [Matthew 6:3](/matthew/6-3 "Matthew 6:3 - Giving in Secret") then offers a hyperbolic instruction to give so secretly that "your left hand does not know what your right hand is doing," underscoring the radical call to humility and hiddenness in generosity. [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Secret Giving, Open Reward") provides the theological rationale and promise for such hidden acts, setting 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")) later in the chapter, all part of the broader [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, acts of charity (almsgiving) were considered highly meritorious and a significant part of religious devotion, alongside prayer and fasting. It was common for synagogues to have alms boxes, and public displays of piety, though not always condemned, could sometimes be motivated by a desire for social status or honor. The "hypocrites" (Greek: _hypokritai_, meaning "actors" or "pretenders") Jesus refers to were likely those who performed religious duties performatively, seeking the praise of men rather than the approval of God. Jesus' teaching here challenges the prevailing cultural tendency to seek outward validation for spiritual acts, redirecting the focus to the internal disposition of the heart and the unseen audience of God. This counter-cultural emphasis highlights the radical nature of Kingdom ethics, which often inverted conventional societal values.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount") and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The overarching theme is that of **true righteousness** versus superficial piety, emphasizing that God values the heart's motive above outward performance. It underscores **God's omniscience and omnipresence**, revealing Him as the Father who "sees in secret," implying His intimate knowledge of every hidden act and intention. The concept of **divine reward** is central, contrasting the fleeting praise of men with the enduring and certain recompense from God. This promise of an "open" reward serves as an encouragement for sincere, humble devotion. Furthermore, the passage promotes **humility** as a foundational virtue, encouraging believers to avoid self-promotion and to give glory to God alone, aligning with Jesus' teaching that those who humble themselves will be exalted (e.g., [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** Derived from a word meaning "compassionateness," this term refers to acts of beneficence, particularly giving to the poor. It highlights that true almsgiving is not merely a transaction but an outflow of mercy and empathy towards those in need.
* **secret (Greek, _kryptós'_):** This word describes something concealed or private. In this context, it emphasizes that the act of giving should be done without public fanfare or the intention of being seen by others. The focus is on the hiddenness of the action from human eyes, not necessarily the absolute physical concealment.
* **reward (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give away, up, over, back," or "to recompense, render, requite, restore." It signifies a just and certain return or repayment. Here, it underscores God's faithfulness to acknowledge and repay acts of sincere, hidden generosity, differentiating His reward from the immediate, superficial praise sought by hypocrites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thine alms may be in secret:"** This clause sets the primary instruction for the believer regarding acts of charity. The purpose of giving should be to remain hidden from human observation and applause, ensuring that the motivation for the act is pure and directed solely towards God. It calls for a radical reorientation of the giver's intent.
* **"and thy Father which seeth in secret":** This phrase introduces the divine observer and the theological basis for the instruction. It emphasizes God's omniscient nature – He is the heavenly Father who penetrates beyond outward appearances and perceives the innermost thoughts, intentions, and hidden deeds of His children. Nothing is truly hidden from Him.
* **"himself shall reward thee openly."** This final clause provides the promise and assurance. It declares that God, who sees the secret act, will personally and publicly acknowledge and recompense the sincere giver. This "open" reward contrasts sharply with the "secret" act, implying a future manifestation of divine favor, whether in this life, in spiritual growth, or in the eschatological kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting up a clear dichotomy between giving in "secret" and being rewarded "openly." This highlights the difference between human and divine perspectives and rewards. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the hidden act of the believer is juxtaposed with the visible action of God's reward. The phrase "thy Father which seeth in secret" uses **Personification** to attribute the human capacity of "seeing" to God, emphasizing His active and intimate awareness of human deeds. This also functions as an **Anthropomorphism**, describing God in human terms to make His nature more comprehensible. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about righteous living and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian ethics, moving beyond mere outward compliance to an emphasis on the heart's disposition. It teaches that true righteousness is not about public performance but about sincere devotion to God, who alone can discern the true motives of the heart. The promise of God's "open" reward serves as a powerful incentive for genuine humility and trust, reminding believers that their ultimate audience and rewarder is not humanity, but the all-seeing Father. This principle extends beyond almsgiving to all areas of life, encouraging a lifestyle where actions are performed for God's glory rather than personal acclaim.

* [Proverbs 21:2](/proverbs/21-2 "Proverbs 21:2 - God Weighs the Heart")
* [Luke 14:12-14](/luke/14-12-14 "Luke 14:12-14 - Inviting the Poor")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith and Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:4 serves as a profound challenge to our natural inclination for recognition and applause. In a world increasingly driven by social media and public validation, Jesus' call to "secret" giving is counter-cultural and deeply liberating. It invites us to examine the true motives behind our good deeds: Are we serving God or seeking the praise of people? This verse encourages a radical reorientation of our hearts, reminding us that genuine generosity and service are not about what we get back from others, but about honoring God who sees all. It fosters a spirit of humility, freeing us from the burden of performance and allowing us to find our greatest reward in the approval of our heavenly Father. Living out this verse means cultivating a quiet faithfulness, trusting that God's acknowledgment is far more valuable and enduring than any human commendation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations when I engage in acts of generosity or service? Am I seeking human praise or divine approval?**
* **How might I intentionally practice "secret" giving or service in my daily life, even in small ways?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly believe that "thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly"? How does this promise shape my perspective on serving others?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to perform for others rather than for God, and how can I re-center my focus?**

### FAQ

**Does "secret" giving mean I should never tell anyone about my charitable acts?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The emphasis of [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Secret Giving, Open Reward") is on the *motive* behind the giving, not on absolute secrecy. Jesus condemns giving for the purpose of being seen and praised by others, as those who do so "have received their reward" ([Matthew 6:2](/matthew/6-2 "Matthew 6:2 - Hypocritical Almsgiving")). The primary goal is to ensure that the glory goes to God, not to oneself. There are instances in Scripture where good deeds are made known for the purpose of glorifying God (e.g., [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")) or encouraging others. However, the default posture should be humility and a lack of self-promotion, trusting that God sees and will reward. The key is to discern whether the disclosure of an act is for self-exaltation or for the genuine advancement of God's kingdom and the encouragement of others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:4, like much of the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), reveals the radical nature of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus inaugurated. It calls for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")), a righteousness rooted in the heart and motivated by love for God, rather than outward performance. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle: His greatest acts of love and sacrifice, culminating in His death on the cross, were not performed for human applause but out of obedience to His Father and love for humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience and Humiliation")). Though His sacrifice was publicly displayed, its ultimate purpose was to glorify the Father and redeem humanity, not to gain personal acclaim. The "open reward" promised by the Father is ultimately realized in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), and it is through our union with Him that believers participate in this divine recognition. Our secret acts of love and sacrifice, done in imitation of Christ and empowered by His Spirit, are seen by the Father and will be openly acknowledged in the new heaven and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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

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.

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.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Psalms 44:21

Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Matthew 25:34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.