Matthew 6:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3752} thou prayest {G4336}, thou shalt {G2071} not {G3756} be {G2071} as {G5618} the hypocrites {G5273} are: for {G3754} they love {G5368} to pray {G4336} standing {G2476} in {G1722} the synagogues {G4864} and {G2532} in {G1722} the corners {G1137} of the streets {G4113}, that {G3704} they may {G302} be seen {G5316} of men {G444}. Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} They have {G568} their {G846} reward {G3408}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on street corners, so that people can see them. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!

Berean Standard Bible

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

American Standard Version

And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 6:5, Jesus addresses the practice of prayer, cautioning His disciples against the performative piety of the hypocrites. He reveals their motivation to be seen by others, rather than to truly commune with God, and declares that the human praise they receive is their sole reward, signifying a lack of divine recompense for such insincere devotion. This teaching underscores the critical importance of pure motives and genuine, heart-felt worship in the spiritual life of a believer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, found in [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Specifically, it falls within a section where Jesus contrasts the outward religious practices of His day with the inward righteousness of the Kingdom of Heaven. Preceding this verse, Jesus discusses almsgiving in [Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1-4 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Giving to the Needy"), emphasizing that acts of charity should be done in secret to receive a reward from God. Immediately following, He provides instruction on how to pray genuinely, including the model prayer known as the Lord's Prayer, in [Matthew 6:6-15](/matthew/6-6-15 "Matthew 6:6-15 - How to Pray"). The consistent thread throughout this passage is the call for authenticity and a focus on God's approval rather than human applause.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Jesus's time, public prayer was a common and accepted practice, especially in synagogues and at set times of prayer (e.g., 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM). Pious Jews would often stop what they were doing to pray when the call for prayer was given. However, some individuals, particularly the Pharisees, were known for making a public spectacle of their devotion. They would intentionally choose prominent locations, such as busy street corners or the most visible spots in the synagogue, to perform their prayers, ensuring they were observed by passersby. This was not merely about being seen, but about cultivating a reputation for piety, which often brought social prestige and influence. Jesus's critique here is not against public prayer itself, but against the *motive* behind it—seeking human recognition rather than divine communion.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Righteousness") and particularly in this verse is **Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy** in religious practice. Jesus consistently challenges His listeners to move beyond superficial adherence to religious law and outward displays of piety, urging them instead to cultivate an inner righteousness that stems from a genuine relationship with God. This verse highlights the theme of **Motive Matters**, asserting that the true value and divine reward of any spiritual discipline, including prayer, are determined by the heart's intention. If the motive is human praise, then that praise is the only "reward" received, contrasting sharply with the "reward" from the Father who "sees in secret" as mentioned in [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - God Sees in Secret"). This also underscores the theme of **Divine Approval over Human Applause**, a foundational principle throughout the Sermon on the Mount.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs'_):** This term, derived from the Greek word for "actor" or "stage player," literally refers to someone who wears a mask and plays a role. In this context, Jesus uses it to describe individuals who perform religious acts not out of genuine devotion but to deceive others into believing they are pious. They are dissemblers, presenting a false front of spirituality.
* **Prayest (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** This verb signifies a direct and intentional act of communicating with God, involving supplication, worship, and making requests. It implies a personal and intimate interaction, highlighting the contrast with the performative, outward-focused actions of the hypocrites.
* **Reward (Greek, _misthós'_):** This word denotes pay for service, wages, or recompense, which can be good or bad. Here, Jesus uses it ironically. The "reward" the hypocrites receive is merely the fleeting admiration of men, which is all they sought. This human recognition is presented as their *full* and *only* payment, implying that no further, divine reward awaits them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]:"** Jesus directly addresses His disciples, setting a clear standard for their conduct in prayer. He forbids them from emulating the behavior of the "hypocrites," immediately identifying their flawed approach to spiritual disciplines. The implication is that true prayer is fundamentally different from the public displays common among those seeking human praise.
* **"for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men."** This clause explains *why* the hypocrites are to be avoided. Their "love" (Greek, _philéō'_, indicating fondness or affection) is not for God or for genuine prayer, but for the act of being seen. They deliberately choose highly visible locations—synagogues (places of communal worship) and street corners (busy public thoroughfares)—to maximize their exposure and ensure human observation and admiration. Their ultimate goal is public recognition.
* **"Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."** Jesus uses the emphatic "Verily" (Greek, _amḗn'_, "truly" or "amen") to underscore the certainty and gravity of His statement. He declares that the hypocrites have already "received in full" (from the Greek _apéchō'_, often used in receipts to signify "paid in full") their reward. The human praise and recognition they craved are all they will get. This implies that no divine commendation or eternal blessing will be granted for actions motivated by self-glory.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey His message. **Contrast** is foundational, as He directly juxtaposes the proper, sincere approach to prayer with the hypocritical, showy practices. This stark opposition highlights the essential difference between genuine devotion and performative piety. **Irony** is also powerfully present; the very "reward" the hypocrites seek—human approval—becomes their ultimate condemnation, as it is the *only* reward they will ever receive, thereby precluding any divine blessing. Furthermore, the phrase "standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets" functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration**, emphasizing the public and ostentatious nature of their prayers, even if not every hypocrite prayed in every single one of these exact locations simultaneously. The vivid imagery serves to paint a clear picture of their self-serving motives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and the importance of internal disposition over external display. It teaches that God values the heart's motive above all else in spiritual acts. Genuine prayer is not a performance for an audience, but an intimate communion with God, who sees in secret and rewards accordingly. The verse underscores the danger of seeking human approval, which, when it becomes the primary motive, effectively nullifies any divine reward and transforms a sacred act into a self-serving one. This principle extends beyond prayer to all acts of righteousness, challenging believers to examine their intentions and ensure their devotion is directed solely towards God.

* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "Proverbs 16:2 - All Ways are Clean to a Man")
* [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worshipping in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:5 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to every believer to scrutinize the deepest motivations behind their spiritual practices. In an age saturated with social media and public platforms, the temptation to perform acts of piety for an audience—whether for likes, validation, or reputation—is ever-present. This verse calls us back to the quiet, unseen intimacy of genuine devotion. It reminds us that true spirituality is not about what others see, but about the authentic connection we cultivate with our Heavenly Father. It compels us to ask ourselves: Am I praying, giving, or serving to be seen by men, or to honor God and deepen my relationship with Him? Prioritizing private devotion, where our hearts are laid bare before God alone, fosters humility and ensures that our reward comes from the only One whose approval truly matters. This teaching encourages a faith that is deeply rooted in sincerity, integrity, and an unwavering focus on God's glory above our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations when I engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer, giving, or serving?**
* **How does the desire for human approval or recognition subtly (or overtly) influence my religious practices?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more private and sincere prayer life, prioritizing intimacy with God over public display?**
* **How can I ensure that my acts of faith are genuinely God-centered rather than self-centered?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "hypocrites" in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "hypocrites" (Greek, _hypokritḗs'_) refers to those who act out a religious role or put on a show of piety for others to see, rather than genuinely seeking to connect with God. The term originally meant an actor or stage player, someone who wears a mask. Jesus uses it to describe individuals whose outward religious practices, such as praying publicly in synagogues or on street corners, are motivated by a desire for human praise and recognition, not by sincere devotion to God. Their actions are a performance, not an authentic expression of faith.

**Does this verse condemn all public prayer?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all public prayer. Jesus Himself participated in public worship, and the early church regularly engaged in communal prayer (e.g., [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - Fellowship of the Believers")). The condemnation in [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Warning Against Hypocritical Prayer") is specifically directed at the *motive* behind public prayer—when it is done for the purpose of being seen by men and gaining human applause, rather than for genuine communion with God. The key distinction is the heart's intention: is it to glorify God or to glorify oneself?

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:5, with its sharp rebuke of performative piety, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodies the antithesis of hypocrisy. Unlike the hypocrites who prayed to be seen of men, Jesus consistently sought genuine communion with His Father, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray"), [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place")). His prayer in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")) reveals a heart fully surrendered to God's will, even in agony, demonstrating the ultimate sincerity. Furthermore, Jesus, as our Great High Priest, perpetually intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")), making true, unhindered access to God possible for all who believe. His sacrifice on the cross removed the veil of separation, allowing us to approach God's throne with confidence, not through our own performative righteousness, but through His perfect righteousness ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, the "reward" that the hypocrites forfeited—divine approval and intimacy—is precisely what Christ secured for us, inviting us into a relationship with God characterized by spirit and truth, not outward show ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worshipping in Spirit and Truth")).

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 6:2

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.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Luke 18:10

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Mark 11:25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.