Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:2

What does Matthew 6:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:2 means

Here, Jesus applies the principle of proper motivation to the act of giving to the poor, known as almsgiving. He uses the vivid imagery of a hypocrite sounding a trumpet, likely a metaphorical expression, to describe those who draw attention to their generosity in public places like synagogues or streets. Their driving desire is to gain human approval and glory. Jesus states emphatically that these individuals "have received their reward"—meaning the praise of people is the only reward they will ever get, as they will receive nothing from God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound 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 their reward.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When then you give money to the poor, do not make a noise about it, as the false-hearted men do in the Synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly, I say to you, They have their reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

whenever, therefore, thou mayest do kindness, thou mayest not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory from men; verily I say to you--they have their reward!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore when thou dost an alms-deed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Context

This verse directly exemplifies the warning given in verse 1 regarding seeking human recognition for righteous acts. It specifically introduces almsgiving as the first of three spiritual disciplines—along with prayer and fasting—that Jesus will address in this chapter. This sets up the contrast between the showy, self-serving piety of the hypocrites and the sincere, God-focused righteousness Jesus advocates for His followers.

v.1Take 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.

v.2This passage

v.3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 37:21

    The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.

  • Acts 11:29

    And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judæa:

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Acts 10:4

    And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.

  • Matthew 7:5

    Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

  • Luke 13:15

    But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

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 6:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary