Matthew 6:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 28
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φανῇς
thou appear
G5316
φανῇς
thou appear
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
3 of 28
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 28
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
17 of 28
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποδώσει
shall reward
G591
ἀποδώσει
shall reward
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
24 of 28
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
Cross References
Matthew 6:6But 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.Matthew 6:4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.2 Corinthians 5:9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What motivates your spiritual disciplines—desire for God Himself or recognition from others?
- How does trusting God's secret reward free you from the temptation to publicize your obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.