King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:1 Mean?

Matthew 6:1 in the King James Version says “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is i... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. alms: or, righteousness of your: or, with your

Matthew 6:1 · KJV


Context

1

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. alms: or, righteousness of your: or, with your

2

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. do not: or, cause not a trumpet to be sounded

3

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warns against practicing righteousness 'to be seen of men,' exposing the Pharisaical error of external religion performed for human acclaim. The phrase 'before men' indicates motive is crucial—the same act done for God's glory versus human praise has radically different spiritual value. This introduces the principle that God weighs hearts, not merely actions (1 Samuel 16:7). Hypocrisy seeks earthly reward and forfeits heavenly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Pharisees were known for public displays of piety—prominent prayer positions, conspicuous fasting, ostentatious giving. These practices garnered social status and reputation for holiness but masked hearts far from God. Jesus consistently denounced this external religiosity devoid of heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you examine your motives to ensure religious practices flow from love for God rather than desire for human approval?
  2. What is the difference between legitimate public worship and hypocritical performance designed to gain human praise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Προσέχετε1 of 27

Take heed

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

τοῖς2 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλεημοσύνην3 of 27

alms

G1654

compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction

ὑμῶν4 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μήγε,5 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ποιεῖν6 of 27

that ye do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἔμπροσθεν7 of 27

before

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῖς8 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων9 of 27

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πρὸς10 of 27

to be seen

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοῖς11 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεαθῆναι12 of 27
G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

αὐτοῖς·13 of 27

of them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰ14 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ15 of 27
G1161

but, and, etc

μήγε,16 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μισθὸν17 of 27

reward

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

οὐκ18 of 27

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχετε19 of 27

ye have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

παρὰ20 of 27

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῖς21 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρὶ22 of 27

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν23 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τοῖς24 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν25 of 27

is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς26 of 27

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς27 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 6:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study