Therefore
when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
Matthew 6:2
Matthew 5 [43.] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 6 [1.] “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6 [5.] “When you pray, you 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 by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
Meaning:
Jesus has warned his disciples not to practice their righteousness “before men, to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). He now applies the warning to the first of three religious duties: giving to the poor. Prayer and fasting follow. In each case the question is the same: who is the audience?
- “Don’t sound a trumpet before yourself”
Giving to the needy was a central duty in Israel and was highly honored. Some people made sure their gifts were noticed. Whether Jesus means a literal trumpet or a figure of speech for self-advertisement, the point is clear: they announced their generosity to win admiration.
- “As the hypocrites do”
A hypocrite was originally a stage actor who wore a mask. Jesus uses the word for people who perform religious acts for an audience. Their giving was real, but their motive was false. John describes others who “loved men’s praise more than God’s praise” (John 12:43).
- “They have received their reward”
The word Jesus uses was a business term for a receipt marked “paid in full.” Those who give to be admired get exactly what they wanted: the applause of people. Nothing more is owed to them. Paul says that even the most generous act without love is empty: “If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).
The Significance of Matthew 6:2
- Giving for God’s eyes
Jesus does not forbid giving that others happen to see; he forbids giving in order to be seen. His alternative follows at once: “don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,” and “your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3-4).
- Checking the heart
Before we give, we can ask whether we would still give if no one ever knew.
Cross-References:
Matthew 6:4: "then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." The reward of secret giving.
John 12:43: "for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise." Seeking the wrong approval.
Conclusion: In Matthew 6:2 Jesus warns against giving to the needy in order to be admired. Those who sound their own trumpet receive the praise of people as their full reward. Jesus calls his disciples to give quietly and sincerely for the eyes of their Father, who sees in secret and rewards openly.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible