Matthew 6:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Προσέχετε
G4337
Take heed
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
#2
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἐλεημοσύνην
G1654
alms
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
#4
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#5
μήγε,
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#6
ποιεῖν
G4160
that ye do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
ἔμπροσθεν
G1715
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#8
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀνθρώπων
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
πρὸς
G4314
to be seen
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,
#11
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
θεαθῆναι
G2300
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
#13
αὐτοῖς·
G846
of them
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
#14
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#15
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#16
μήγε,
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
μισθὸν
G3408
reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#18
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
ἔχετε
G2192
ye have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#20
παρὰ
G3844
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#21
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
πατρὶ
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#23
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#24
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἐν
G1722
is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#26
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
οὐρανοῖς
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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