Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:5

What does Matthew 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:5 means

Jesus now moves from almsgiving to prayer, applying the same principle of sincere motivation over public display. He warns against praying like the hypocrites, who intentionally choose prominent locations like synagogues and street corners. Their aim in standing to pray in such places is explicitly stated: "that they may be seen of men." Again, Jesus declares that these individuals have already received their full reward—the attention and commendation of people—leaving them no further reward from God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when you make your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the street turnings so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And when thou mayest pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites, because they love in the synagogues, and in the corners of the broad places--standing--to pray, that they may be seen of men; verily I say to you, that they have their reward.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets so that they should appear to men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Context

This verse marks the transition from Jesus' teaching on almsgiving (verses 2-4) to His instruction on prayer. It directly parallels verse 2 in its condemnation of hypocritical public displays, demonstrating that the principle of seeking God's approval over human praise applies across all spiritual disciplines. This sets the stage for Jesus to offer a model of true, private prayer in the verses that follow.

v.4that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

v.5This passage

v.6But 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.

Cross references

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

  • James 5:15

    and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.

  • Matthew 6:16

    Moreover 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.

  • Job 27:8

    For what is the hope of the godless, though he get him gain, When God taketh away his soul?

  • Colossians 4:2

    Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

  • Psalms 5:2

    Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God; For unto thee do I pray.

  • Luke 20:47

    who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.

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 6:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary