Matthew 6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Original Language Analysis
ποιεῖ
doest
G4160
ποιεῖ
doest
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐλεημοσύνην
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύνην
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
4 of 14
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γνώτω
know
G1097
γνώτω
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
6 of 14
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιεῖ
doest
G4160
ποιεῖ
doest
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, the right hand was associated with strength and action, the left with lesser function. Jesus' metaphor means giving should be so natural and unself-conscious that even you don't dwell on it or congratulate yourself. This stands against the Pharisaic practice of carefully cataloging good deeds.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate a heart that gives generously without dwelling on your own generosity or expecting recognition?
- What does this teaching reveal about the subtle danger of spiritual pride even in legitimate good works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The hyperbolic expression 'let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth' emphasizes the secrecy and unselfconscious nature true charity should have. The point is not absolute secrecy (some giving must be public for accountability) but absence of self-promoting motivation. Genuine generosity flows from love for God and neighbor without calculating return or recognition. This precludes even internal self-congratulation.