King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:18 Mean?

Matthew 6:18 in the King James Version says “That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, sh...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 .”

Matthew 6:18 · King James Version

Context

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 .

19

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The promise that fasting done in secret to the Father 'which seeth in secret' will be rewarded openly establishes the pattern repeated throughout this section: God values hidden obedience over public display. The Father's omniscience guarantees He observes what no human sees, and His justice guarantees appropriate reward. This reward may come as spiritual growth, answered prayer, increased communion with God, or eschatological vindication, but it is certain and superior to human applause.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical fasting was typically associated with mourning, repentance, seeking God's guidance, or intense prayer (Esther 4:16, Acts 13:2-3). Jesus assumes His disciples will fast ('when ye fast,' not 'if'), but transforms the practice from public display to private devotion focused on God alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates your spiritual disciplines—desire for God Himself or recognition from others?
  2. How does trusting God's secret reward free you from the temptation to publicize your obedience?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὅπως1 of 28

“That”

G3704

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

μὴ2 of 28

“not”

G3361

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

φανῇς3 of 28

“thou appear”

G5316

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

τῷ4 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις5 of 28

“unto men”

G444

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

νηστεύων6 of 28

“to fast”

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

ἀλλὰ7 of 28

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τῷ8 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

πατήρ9 of 28

“Father”

G3962

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

σου10 of 28

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

τῷ11 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν12 of 28

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ13 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

κρυπτῷ14 of 28

“secret”

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

καὶ15 of 28

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ16 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

πατήρ17 of 28

“Father”

G3962

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

σου18 of 28

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

τῷ19 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

βλέπων20 of 28

“seeth”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἐν21 of 28

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ22 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

κρυπτῷ23 of 28

“secret”

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

ἀποδώσει24 of 28

“shall reward”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

σοι25 of 28

“thee”

G4671

to thee

ἐν26 of 28

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ27 of 28

“which”

G3588

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

φανερῷ28 of 28
G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:4Matthew 6:62 Corinthians 10:182 Corinthians 5:9Colossians 3:22-241 Peter 2:13

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