Matthew 6:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} thou {G4771}, when {G3752} thou prayest {G4336}, enter {G1525} into {G1519} thy {G4675} closet {G5009}, and {G2532} when thou hast shut {G2808} thy {G4675} door {G2374}, pray {G4336} to thy {G4675} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} secret {G2927}; and {G2532} thy {G4675} Father {G3962} which {G3588} seeth {G991} in {G1722} secret {G2927} shall reward {G591} thee {G4671} openly {G1722}{G5318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Berean Standard Bible

But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

American Standard Version

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus provides a foundational teaching on the nature of true prayer, contrasting it sharply with the hypocritical displays of piety He condemns. He instructs His followers to seek out a private, secluded space for prayer, emphasizing that genuine communion is an intimate, unseen conversation with God the Father. This verse promises that the Father, who observes and knows the deepest intentions of the heart, will openly reward such sincere devotion, underscoring the divine value placed on authenticity over outward performance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and the Law"), specifically within His discourse on true righteousness (Matthew 6:1-18). Following His teachings on almsgiving, where He warns against performing charitable acts "to be seen by others" ([Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Warning against Public Piety")), Jesus transitions to the subject of prayer. [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Warning against Hypocritical Prayer") explicitly condemns the "hypocrites" who pray publicly in synagogues and on street corners for human applause. [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Private Prayer") then offers the positive, prescriptive instruction for how His disciples *should* pray, setting the stage for the model prayer (the Lord's Prayer) that follows in [Matthew 6:9-13](/matthew/6-9-13 "Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer"). The overarching theme is the internal disposition of the heart in spiritual disciplines, contrasting with external, performative religiosity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, prayer was a central aspect of religious life. It was common for devout Jews to pray at set times, often in public places like synagogues or even on street corners, facing Jerusalem. While public prayer was a legitimate and important communal practice, it also presented an opportunity for individuals to perform their piety for social recognition. The "hypocrites" (Greek: _hypokritai_, meaning "actors" or "pretenders") that Jesus critiques were those whose primary motivation for public prayer was to gain human praise and admiration, rather than to genuinely commune with God. The concept of a "closet" or "inner room" (_tameîon_) reflects the typical architecture of a Jewish home, which often included private storage rooms or inner chambers that could offer seclusion from the main living areas and public view. Jesus's instruction here challenges the prevailing cultural norm of ostentatious religious display, redirecting the focus to the private, intimate relationship between the individual and God.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme embedded in [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Private Prayer") is **sincerity and authenticity in worship**. Jesus emphasizes that true devotion is not about outward show or seeking human approval, but about the genuine disposition of the heart before God. This ties into the broader theme of "righteousness" that Jesus redefines throughout the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and the Law"), moving beyond mere external adherence to the Law to an internal transformation of motives and desires. Another crucial theme is **God's omniscience and His personal relationship with humanity**. By instructing believers to pray to "thy Father which is in secret," Jesus highlights God's ability to see and know all things, even the most private thoughts and intentions. This fosters a deep, personal relationship where God is not a distant judge but an intimate Father who sees and responds to the unseen prayers of His children. Finally, the promise of being "rewarded openly" introduces the theme of **divine recompense**, contrasting the fleeting praise of men with the eternal and true blessings that come from God alone, reinforcing the truth that [God rewards those who diligently seek Him](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God rewards those who diligently seek Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **closet (Greek, _tameîon'_):** This term refers to a private chamber, a storeroom, or an inner room, typically found on the ground floor or interior of an Oriental house. It signifies a place of privacy and seclusion, not necessarily a small wardrobe, but any space where one could be alone and undisturbed. The emphasis is on the intentional act of seeking solitude away from public view.
* **secret (Greek, _kryptós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to hide" or "conceal," _kryptós_ denotes something hidden, concealed, or private. When applied to God, it emphasizes His omnipresence and His ability to perceive what is unseen by human eyes—the hidden intentions, thoughts, and prayers of the heart. It underscores the intimate and unseen nature of the relationship God desires.
* **reward (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give away," "to give back," "to repay," or "to recompense." In this context, it signifies that God will fully and justly repay or recompense the sincere, private devotion of His children. The reward is not necessarily material or immediate public recognition, but the spiritual blessings, peace, strength, and divine favor that accompany a genuine relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet,"**: This clause directly contrasts with the public, performative prayers condemned in the preceding verse. The imperative "enter" (Greek: _eisérchomai_) commands a deliberate action to seek out a private space. The "closet" (_tameîon_) symbolizes a place of solitude, removed from distractions and the gaze of others, where one can focus solely on God.
* **"and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret;"**: The act of "shutting thy door" reinforces the intentionality of privacy and separation. It signifies a deliberate closing off from the external world and its influences, creating an environment conducive to intimate communion. Prayer is directed specifically to "thy Father," emphasizing the personal, filial relationship believers have with God, who is described as being "in secret"—meaning He is present in unseen ways and perceives what is hidden from human observation.
* **"and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."**: This final clause provides the motivation and promise for private prayer. It reaffirms God's omniscience ("seeth in secret"), assuring the believer that their hidden devotion is not unnoticed. The promise of being "rewarded openly" signifies that God will publicly acknowledge and bless such sincerity, perhaps through spiritual blessings, answered prayers, inner peace, or even visible manifestations of His favor, contrasting with the fleeting and superficial rewards sought by the hypocrites.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, setting up a clear dichotomy between the hypocritical public prayers of those who seek human praise ([Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Warning against Hypocritical Prayer")) and the sincere, private devotion that God values. The instruction to "enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door" uses **Symbolism**; the "closet" and "shut door" are not merely literal instructions but symbolic of a deliberate withdrawal from external distractions and the desire for human approval, representing the inner sanctuary of the heart. The phrase "thy Father which seeth in secret" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human characteristic of "seeing" to God to convey His omniscience and intimate awareness of unseen actions and intentions. Finally, the promise "shall reward thee openly" employs a form of **Paradox** or **Irony**, as the reward for secret prayer is promised to be "open," suggesting that God's recognition will ultimately be more profound and manifest than any human applause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:6 profoundly shapes our understanding of prayer, shifting the focus from external performance to internal authenticity. It teaches that true prayer is an intimate, personal encounter with a God who is both omniscient and deeply relational. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God, who sees beyond outward appearances into the depths of the human heart, and His faithfulness to reward those who seek Him sincerely. It is a call to cultivate a hidden life of devotion, trusting that God's recognition far surpasses any human validation. This aligns with a broader biblical emphasis on the heart's condition as paramount in worship and obedience.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience"): "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether."
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith and Reward"): "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer and Peace"): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:6 serves as a powerful and enduring call to cultivate a profound and personal prayer life that transcends mere ritual or public display. It challenges believers to examine the true motives behind their spiritual disciplines, urging them to prioritize genuine communion with God over the fleeting applause of others. In a world increasingly driven by external validation and social performance, this verse reminds us that the most significant interactions are often those unseen by human eyes, conducted in the quiet intimacy of our "closet" with the Heavenly Father. It encourages us to intentionally carve out time and space for uninterrupted, sincere dialogue with God, trusting that He hears, He sees, and He rewards. This practice fosters a deeper, more authentic relationship with our Creator, grounding our faith not in what others perceive, but in the unwavering reality of God's presence and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my prayer life? Am I more concerned with how others perceive my spirituality, or with genuine communion with God?**
* **How can I create or identify a "closet" in my daily life—a place or time for consistent, private prayer free from distractions?**
* **In what ways do I seek God's reward over human recognition in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does the understanding that God "seeth in secret" impact my willingness to share my deepest concerns and desires with Him?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean all public prayer is wrong?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid all public or corporate prayer. Jesus's condemnation in [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Warning against Hypocritical Prayer") is specifically directed at the *motive* of those who pray "that they may be seen of men." The issue is hypocrisy and performance, not the act of public prayer itself. The Bible records numerous instances of communal prayer, both in the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22-53 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication")) and the New Testament (e.g., [Acts 4:23-31](/acts/4-23-31 "Acts 4:23-31 - The Believers' Prayer")). Jesus Himself prayed publicly on occasions (e.g., [John 11:41-42](/john/11-41-42 "John 11:41-42 - Jesus Prays Before Raising Lazarus")). The emphasis of [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Private Prayer") is on the *necessity* and *priority* of private, sincere prayer as the foundation of one's spiritual life, ensuring that one's relationship with God is authentic and not merely for show.

**What kind of "reward" does God give for secret prayer?**

Answer: The "reward" mentioned in [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Private Prayer") is primarily spiritual and relational, though it can manifest in various ways. It is not necessarily material wealth or public acclaim, which are the very things the hypocrites seek. Instead, the reward includes a deeper intimacy with God, inner peace, spiritual strength, wisdom, guidance, answered prayers, a sense of God's presence, and the fulfillment of His purposes in one's life. It is the assurance that one's sincere, unseen devotion is fully known and valued by the Heavenly Father, who will honor it in ways that truly matter, often far surpassing any earthly recognition. This reward is sure and eternal, unlike the fleeting praise of men.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in the person and practice of Jesus Christ Himself. While Jesus often ministered and taught publicly, His life was characterized by a profound and consistent commitment to private communion with His Father. We see Him frequently withdrawing to secluded places—mountains, deserts, or quiet gardens—to pray, often alone and for extended periods ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning"), [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray"), [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays Before Choosing Disciples")). His private prayer life was the wellspring of His public ministry, demonstrating that true spiritual power flows from an unseen, intimate relationship with God. Jesus, the Son, perfectly modeled what it means to pray to "thy Father which is in secret," living out the very principle He taught. Furthermore, through His atoning work, Jesus provides the means for believers to have direct, unhindered access to the Father, enabling us to enter our "closet" and pray with confidence, knowing that we approach God not as a distant deity, but as our loving Father through the Son ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace"), [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, Christ not only teaches the principle of private prayer but also makes it possible for us to live it out in a new covenant relationship.

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

2 Kings 4:33

He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.

Matthew 14:23

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Isaiah 26:20

¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

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.