Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:6

What does Matthew 6:6 mean?

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

What Matthew 6:6 means

In direct contrast to the public prayers of the hypocrites, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray in private. He instructs them to enter their inner chamber, a private room, and to shut the door. This physical act symbolizes a spiritual withdrawal from worldly distractions and the gaze of others. The purpose is to engage in intimate communion with "thy Father who is in secret." The assurance is given that this same Father, who perceives what is done in hidden sincerity, "shall recompense thee" publicly and truly.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you make your prayer, go into your private room, and, shutting the door, say a prayer to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will give you your reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But thou, when thou mayest pray, go into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray 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

But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret, and thy father who seeth in secret will repay thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who sees in secret will render [it] to thee.

Context

This verse provides the positive instruction for prayer, directly contrasting the negative example of hypocritical prayer in verse 5. It shows the proper orientation for prayer—a private, intimate conversation with God—and anticipates the model prayer Jesus will give shortly. The emphasis on God seeing in secret reinforces the core theme of seeking divine approval rather than human praise, which runs through the entire chapter so far.

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.

v.6This passage

v.7And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 32:24

    And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

  • John 1:48

    Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

  • Matthew 26:36

    Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray.

  • 2 Kings 4:33

    He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah.

  • Matthew 6:4

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

  • Psalms 34:15

    The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry.

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