Matthew 6:5
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
2 of 34
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποκριταί,
the hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριταί,
the hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
8 of 34
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
ὅτι
are for
G3754
ὅτι
are for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 34
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
φιλοῦσιν
they love
G5368
φιλοῦσιν
they love
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
10 of 34
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
13 of 34
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 #:
14 of 34
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 #:
16 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλατειῶν
of the streets
G4113
πλατειῶν
of the streets
Strong's:
G4113
Word #:
19 of 34
a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square
ἑστῶτες
standing
G2476
ἑστῶτες
standing
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
20 of 34
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
προσεύχεσθαι
thou prayest
G4336
προσεύχεσθαι
thou prayest
Strong's:
G4336
Word #:
21 of 34
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
22 of 34
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
φανῶσιν
be seen
G5316
φανῶσιν
be seen
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
24 of 34
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
27 of 34
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 #:
28 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
are for
G3754
ὅτι
are for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
30 of 34
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπέχουσιν
They have
G568
ἀπέχουσιν
They have
Strong's:
G568
Word #:
31 of 34
(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 #:
32 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 6:2Therefore 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.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.Mark 11:25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.Jeremiah 29:12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.Luke 20:47Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Luke 11:43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Historical Context
Jewish custom required prayer three times daily (morning, afternoon, evening). Pharisees would time their travel to be in prominent public locations at prayer times, ensuring maximum visibility. The synagogue and street corners were high-traffic areas where pious displays gained most recognition.
Questions for Reflection
- How can public prayer be offered genuinely versus being performed for human admiration?
- What heart motivations should you examine before participating in public prayer or worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus condemns the hypocrites who 'love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.' Public prayer itself is not wrong (Jesus prayed publicly), but the motive of self-display is condemned. The Greek 'phileo' (love) indicates they delighted in conspicuous piety. Standing was a normal prayer posture, but choosing visible locations revealed pride. Their prayer was not communion with God but performance for human admiration.