Matthew 6:1
What does Matthew 6:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 6:1 means
Jesus begins this chapter with a foundational principle: the motive behind righteous acts is paramount. He warns against performing good deeds like giving alms, praying, or fasting with the primary intention of being praised by other people. Such outward displays, designed to attract human admiration, might achieve that temporary glory, but they forfeit the true and lasting reward that comes from God Himself. True righteousness is not about public performance but about a heartfelt devotion to God, who sees and values what is done in sincerity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take care not to do your good works before men, to be seen by them; or you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Take heed your kindness not to do before men, to be seen by them, and if not--reward ye have not from your Father who <FI>is<Fi> in the heavens;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Take heed not to do your alms before men to be seen of them, otherwise ye have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens.
Context
This verse serves as an overarching introduction to the first major section of Matthew 6, setting the tone for Jesus' teaching on spiritual disciplines. It immediately follows the conclusion of Matthew 5, where Jesus expounded on the true meaning of the Law, moving now into the practical application of genuine piety. The warning against public displays of righteousness will then be unpacked through specific examples of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting.
v.1This passage
v.2When therefore thou doest alms, sound not 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 received their reward.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:41
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
- 2 Corinthians 9:9
as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
- Matthew 5:48
Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.
- John 12:43
for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.
- Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
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