Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:18

What does Matthew 6:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:18 means

The purpose of maintaining a normal appearance while fasting is explicitly stated here: "that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret." The true audience for spiritual disciplines is God alone. When fasting is done privately, with a sincere heart focused on Him, the "Father, who seeth in secret," will acknowledge and "recompense thee." This reaffirms the core message that God values the hidden devotion of the heart far more than any outward show for human approval.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that no one may see that you are going without food, but your Father in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will give you your reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that thou mayest not appear to men fasting, but to thy Father who <FI>is<Fi> in secret, and thy Father, who is seeing in secret, shall reward thee manifestly.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that thou mayest not appear fasting unto men, but to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who sees in secret shall render [it] to thee.

Context

This verse concludes the entire section on righteous practices (almsgiving, prayer, fasting) by reiterating the central theme introduced in verse 1. It directly follows the practical instruction for private fasting in verse 17, explaining the motivation and assurance of divine reward. With the discussion of outward righteousness complete, the chapter now transitions to a new major theme: the dangers of materialism and the call to trust God fully.

v.17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

v.18This passage

v.19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 10:18

    For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

  • Matthew 6:6

    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.

  • Matthew 6:4

    that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 6:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary