King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:5 Mean?

Matthew 6:5 in the King James Version says “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5 · KJV


Context

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 .

5

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6

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 .

7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus condemns the hypocrites who 'love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.' Public prayer itself is not wrong (Jesus prayed publicly), but the motive of self-display is condemned. The Greek 'phileo' (love) indicates they delighted in conspicuous piety. Standing was a normal prayer posture, but choosing visible locations revealed pride. Their prayer was not communion with God but performance for human admiration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish custom required prayer three times daily (morning, afternoon, evening). Pharisees would time their travel to be in prominent public locations at prayer times, ensuring maximum visibility. The synagogue and street corners were high-traffic areas where pious displays gained most recognition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can public prayer be offered genuinely versus being performed for human admiration?
  2. What heart motivations should you examine before participating in public prayer or worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

ὅταν2 of 34

when

G3752

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

προσεύχεσθαι3 of 34

thou prayest

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

οὐκ4 of 34

not

G3756

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

ἔσῃ5 of 34

be

G2071

will be

ὥσπερ6 of 34

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

οἱ7 of 34
G3588

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

ὑποκριταί,8 of 34

the hypocrites

G5273

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

ὅτι9 of 34

are for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

φιλοῦσιν10 of 34

they love

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

ἐν11 of 34

in

G1722

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

ταῖς12 of 34
G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς13 of 34

the synagogues

G4864

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

καὶ14 of 34

And

G2532

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

ἐν15 of 34

in

G1722

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

ταῖς16 of 34
G3588

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

γωνίαις17 of 34

the corners

G1137

an angle

τῶν18 of 34
G3588

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

πλατειῶν19 of 34

of the streets

G4113

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

ἑστῶτες20 of 34

standing

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

προσεύχεσθαι21 of 34

thou prayest

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ὅπως22 of 34

that

G3704

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

ἂν23 of 34

they may

G302

whatsoever

φανῶσιν24 of 34

be seen

G5316

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

τοῖς25 of 34
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις·26 of 34

of men

G444

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

ἀμὴν27 of 34

Verily

G281

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

λέγω28 of 34

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

ὑμῖν29 of 34

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι30 of 34

are for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπέχουσιν31 of 34

They have

G568

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

τὸν32 of 34
G3588

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

μισθὸν33 of 34

reward

G3408

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

αὐτῶν34 of 34
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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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