King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:16 Mean?

Matthew 6:16 in the King James Version says “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may ap... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:16 · KJV


Context

14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus condemns hypocrites who 'disfigure their faces' during fasting to advertise their piety. The Greek 'aphanizo' (disfigure/make unrecognizable) suggests deliberate effort to appear haggard and spiritual. Their goal was not communion with God but human admiration. Like almsgiving and prayer, fasting's value depends entirely on motive. When done 'to be seen of men, they have their reward'—present human approval exhausts their compensation from God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisees fasted twice weekly (Luke 18:12), often Monday and Thursday when markets were busiest, ensuring maximum audience. Disfigurement included unwashed faces, disheveled hair, and ashes—visible markers of 'spirituality' that garnered social status but masked pride.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can spiritual disciplines like fasting be practiced for God's glory rather than cultivating reputation for piety?
  2. What does Jesus' consistent condemnation of hypocritical displays reveal about God's priorities in evaluating religious practice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ὅταν1 of 27

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ2 of 27

Moreover

G1161

but, and, etc

νηστεύοντες·3 of 27

to fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

μὴ4 of 27

not

G3361

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

γίνεσθε5 of 27

be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὥσπερ6 of 27

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

οἱ7 of 27
G3588

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

ὑποκριταὶ8 of 27

the hypocrites

G5273

an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"

σκυθρωποί9 of 27

of a sad countenance

G4659

angry-visaged, i.e., gloomy or affecting a mournful appearance

ἀφανίζουσιν10 of 27

they disfigure

G853

to render unapparent, i.e., (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed)

γὰρ11 of 27

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὰ12 of 27
G3588

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

πρόσωπα13 of 27

faces

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτῶν14 of 27
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

ὅπως15 of 27

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

φανῶσιν16 of 27

they may appear

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

τοῖς17 of 27
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις18 of 27

unto men

G444

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

νηστεύοντες·19 of 27

to fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

ἀμὴν20 of 27

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω21 of 27

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν22 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι23 of 27
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπέχουσιν24 of 27

They have

G568

(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)

τὸν25 of 27
G3588

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

μισθὸν26 of 27

reward

G3408

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

αὐτῶν27 of 27
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


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 6:16 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 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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