Matthew 6:5

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.

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}.

"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!

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.

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

Context

Matthew 6:5 is part of Jesus' profound Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He redefines true righteousness, contrasting it with the superficial piety often displayed by religious leaders of His day. This verse specifically addresses the practice of prayer, following His teaching on almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-4) and preceding the instruction to pray in secret and the introduction of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:6-15). Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart's motive over outward display in all acts of devotion.

Key Themes

  • Sincerity vs. Showmanship: Jesus directly contrasts genuine prayer, which seeks communion with God, with the performative prayers of "hypocrites." These individuals desired public recognition and praise for their supposed piety, standing conspicuously in public places.
  • Motive Matters: The core message is that the effectiveness and divine reward of prayer are tied to the worshipper's motive. If the primary goal is human applause, that applause becomes their "reward," and no further blessing from God is to be expected. This echoes the principle laid out in Matthew 6:4, where God sees what is done in secret.
  • Condemnation of Hypocrisy: Jesus strongly condemns hypocrisy in religious practice. He teaches that true faith is not about outward appearance or fulfilling religious rituals for the sake of others' admiration, but about an authentic, internal relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "hypocrites" is hypokritēs (ὑποκριτής). Originally, this term referred to an actor or a stage player who wore a mask. In this context, Jesus uses it to describe those who put on a religious performance, acting pious for an audience rather than genuinely engaging with God. They are not who they appear to be, much like an actor playing a role.

Practical Application

Matthew 6:5 serves as a timeless reminder for believers to examine their motives in all acts of worship and service.

  • Examine Your Heart: It challenges us to reflect on why we engage in religious activities, whether it's prayer, giving, or serving. Is it truly for God's glory and a deeper relationship with Him, or is there an underlying desire for human recognition or approval?
  • Value Private Devotion: The verse encourages a vibrant private prayer life, where intimacy with God is prioritized over public display. While communal prayer is vital and biblical, Jesus highlights the supreme importance of the personal, unseen connection with the Father.
  • Authenticity in Faith: This teaching calls for authenticity and integrity in our faith journey. True spirituality is not about outward show but about a transformed heart that genuinely seeks God's presence and will, trusting that He sees and rewards what is done in secret. For further understanding of genuine worship, consider John 4:24.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:2 (28 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:11 (25 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:7 (16 votes)

    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.