Matthew 6:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὅταν
when
G3752
Ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 31
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 31
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ποιοῦσιν
do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐλεημοσύνην
thine alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύνην
thine alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
4 of 31
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 31
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σαλπίσῃς
do
G4537
σαλπίσῃς
do
Strong's:
G4537
Word #:
6 of 31
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
ἔμπροσθέν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθέν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
7 of 31
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποκριταὶ
the hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριταὶ
the hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
11 of 31
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
ποιοῦσιν
do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
15 of 31
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
20 of 31
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
δοξασθῶσιν
they may have glory
G1392
δοξασθῶσιν
they may have glory
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
21 of 31
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
22 of 31
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 (
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
25 of 31
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
26 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀπέχουσιν
They have
G568
ἀπέχουσιν
They have
Strong's:
G568
Word #:
28 of 31
(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 6:5And 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 6:16Moreover 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.John 5:41I receive not honour from men.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Luke 20:46Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;Psalms 37:21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.Hosea 8:1Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How can giving be done publicly when needed (for accountability or encouraging others) without the motive of seeking human praise?
- What does 'they have their reward' teach about the eternal consequences of serving for human applause versus God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.