Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:3

What does Matthew 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:3 means

In stark contrast to the showy almsgiving of the hypocrites, Jesus instructs His disciples on the manner of true generosity. The vivid idiom, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth," emphasizes extreme secrecy and humility in giving. It implies that the act of charity should be so private and unassuming that even the giver themselves hardly considers it a noteworthy accomplishment. The focus shifts entirely away from personal recognition or even self-awareness of the good deed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you give money, let not your left hand see what your right hand does:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But thou, doing kindness, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thou, when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand does;

Context

This verse continues the instruction on almsgiving, providing a direct counterpoint to the negative example given in verse 2. It immediately precedes verse 4, which explains the purpose and outcome of this kind of secret giving. Together, verses 3 and 4 present a complete picture of how almsgiving should be done according to Jesus' teaching, contrasting it sharply with the visible, self-promoting acts condemned earlier.

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.

v.3This passage

v.4that thine alms may be 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.

  • Mark 1:44

    and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • Matthew 9:30

    And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

  • John 7:4

    For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.

  • Matthew 12:19

    He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.

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