Matthew 6:4
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 23
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ᾖ
may be
G5600
ᾖ
may be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
2 of 23
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεημοσύνη
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύνη
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
5 of 23
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
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 #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 23
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὑτὸς
himself
G846
αὑτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
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
ἀποδώσει
shall reward
G591
ἀποδώσει
shall reward
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
19 of 23
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
Cross References
Matthew 6:18That 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.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.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.Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Luke 14:14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.Luke 8:17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Psalms 139:12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Historical Context
Ancient patronage systems operated on reciprocal obligation—gifts created public debt and enhanced donor status. Jesus radically reorients giving toward vertical relationship with God rather than horizontal social dynamics. The Father's reward transcends temporary human honor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God sees and rewards secret obedience transform motivation for hidden acts of service and righteousness?
- What does this teach about trusting God's future vindication rather than demanding present recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise that God 'seeth in secret' provides powerful motivation for private piety. The omniscient Father observes what no human sees and 'shall reward thee openly'—whether in this life or the final judgment. This establishes divine rather than human audience as the proper focus of obedience. The reward may come in transformed character, God's pleasure, eternal recompense, or visible vindication, but it is certain and surpasses any earthly acclaim.