Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:17

What does Matthew 6:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:17 means

In direct contrast to the somber outward appearance of the hypocrites, Jesus instructs His followers to maintain a normal appearance when fasting. Anointing the head with oil and washing the face were common practices for personal grooming and refreshment. These actions would mask any outward signs of fasting, ensuring that the spiritual discipline remained a private commitment between the individual and God, rather than a public spectacle.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you go without food, put oil on your head and make your face clean;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But thou, fasting, anoint thy head, and wash thy face,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But thou, when thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thou, [when] fasting, anoint thy head and wash thy face,

Context

This verse offers the positive instruction for fasting, directly counteracting the negative example of hypocritical fasting given in verse 16. It parallels the commands for secret almsgiving (verse 3) and private prayer (verse 6), underscoring the consistent theme of sincerity and a focus on God. This instruction prepares for the promise of God's reward in the next verse, concluding the section on secret righteousness.

v.16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

v.17This passage

v.18that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Samuel 14:2

    And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that hath a long time mourned for the dead:

  • Ruth 3:3

    Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the threshing-floor, but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

  • 2 Samuel 12:20

    Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel; and he came into the house of Jehovah, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:8

    Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.

  • Daniel 10:2

    In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.

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