King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:2 Mean?

Matthew 6:2 in the King James Version says “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 6:2 · 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:

4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'when thou doest thine alms' assumes believers will give—the question is not whether but how. Jesus condemns those who 'sound a trumpet' announcing their charity, likely metaphorical for public displays drawing attention. The synagogue and street giving ensured maximum visibility and acclaim. Christ's verdict is devastating: 'they have their reward'—present human praise exhausts their compensation. God gives no further reward for what was done for man's glory, not His.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wealthy benefactors in ancient society gained honor through publicized philanthropy. Synagogues had collection boxes (shofar chests) with trumpet-like openings. Some suggest coins dropped in these chests made loud sounds, though 'sounding a trumpet' more likely means public announcement of giving.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can giving be done publicly when needed (for accountability or encouraging others) without the motive of seeking human praise?
  2. What does 'they have their reward' teach about the eternal consequences of serving for human applause versus God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Ὅταν1 of 31

when

G3752

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

οὖν2 of 31

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ποιοῦσιν3 of 31

do

G4160

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

ἐλεημοσύνην4 of 31

thine alms

G1654

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

μὴ5 of 31

not

G3361

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

σαλπίσῃς6 of 31

do

G4537

to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)

ἔμπροσθέν7 of 31

before

G1715

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

σου8 of 31

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ὥσπερ9 of 31

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

οἱ10 of 31
G3588

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

ὑποκριταὶ11 of 31

the hypocrites

G5273

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

ποιοῦσιν12 of 31

do

G4160

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

ἐν13 of 31

in

G1722

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

ταῖς14 of 31
G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς15 of 31

the synagogues

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

καὶ16 of 31

and

G2532

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

ἐν17 of 31

in

G1722

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

ταῖς18 of 31
G3588

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

ῥύμαις19 of 31

the streets

G4505

an alley or avenue (as crowded)

ὅπως20 of 31

that

G3704

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

δοξασθῶσιν21 of 31

they may have glory

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ὑπὸ22 of 31

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν23 of 31
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων·24 of 31

men

G444

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

ἀμὴν25 of 31

Verily

G281

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

λέγω26 of 31

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

ὑμῖν27 of 31

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀπέχουσιν28 of 31

They have

G568

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

τὸν29 of 31
G3588

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

μισθὸν30 of 31

reward

G3408

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

αὐτῶν31 of 31
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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study