Matthew 6:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
Προσέχετε
Take heed
G4337
Προσέχετε
Take heed
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
1 of 27
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεημοσύνην
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύνην
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
3 of 27
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
μήγε,
not
G3361
μήγε,
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιεῖν
that ye do
G4160
ποιεῖν
that ye do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 27
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
7 of 27
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to be seen
G4314
πρὸς
to be seen
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 27
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,
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεαθῆναι
G2300
θεαθῆναι
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
12 of 27
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
αὐτοῖς·
of them
G846
αὐτοῖς·
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 27
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
μήγε,
not
G3361
μήγε,
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μισθὸν
reward
G3408
μισθὸν
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
17 of 27
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
19 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
20 of 27
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὶ
Father
G3962
πατρὶ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
22 of 27
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,John 12:43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Luke 16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.Matthew 6:16Moreover 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.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you examine your motives to ensure religious practices flow from love for God rather than desire for human approval?
- What is the difference between legitimate public worship and hypocritical performance designed to gain human praise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.