Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:4

What does Matthew 6:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:4 means

The ultimate purpose and reward for discreet almsgiving are revealed in this verse. When generosity is performed in secret, without any desire for human applause, it is seen by God alone. The "Father who seeth in secret" is not unaware of the genuine acts of kindness and sacrifice made in humble faith. He promises to openly and truly "recompense thee" for such sincere and unpretentious devotion. This emphasizes that God's approval and reward are far superior to any fleeting human praise.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that your giving may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will give you your reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that thy kindness may be in secret, and thy Father who is seeing in secret Himself shall reward thee manifestly.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father who sees in secret will render [it] to thee.

Context

This verse provides the positive consequence and motivation for the secret almsgiving described in verse 3. It concludes the section on almsgiving (verses 2-4) by tying it back to the overarching principle of seeking God's reward (verse 1). This then transitions the discussion to the next spiritual discipline, prayer, where similar principles of sincerity and privacy will be applied.

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

v.4This passage

v.5And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen 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.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Psalms 44:21

    Will not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

  • Jeremiah 17:10

    I, Jehovah, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

  • Jude 1:24

    Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy,

  • 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.

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