Matthew 6:2 is the second verse of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings attributed to Jesus of Nazareth. In most English translations, the verse reads as follows:
- King James Version (KJV): “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. Amen I say unto you, they have their reward.”
- New International Version (NIV): “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
- English Standard Version (ESV): “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.”
Literary Context
Matthew 6:2 follows verses 1–4, which discuss the proper motivation for acts of charity (almsgiving) and the importance of secrecy in such deeds. The verse precedes a parallel passage on prayer (verses 5–15) and fasting (verses 16–18), forming a tripartite instruction on piety that emphasizes internal sincerity over external display.
Theological Themes
Scholars commonly identify the following themes in Matthew 6:2:
- Critique of Hypocrisy: The verse condemns performing religious acts for public acclaim rather than genuine devotion.
- Private Devotion: It underscores that divine approval, not human praise, constitutes the proper reward for charitable acts.
- Use of Metaphor: The phrase “sound a trumpet” functions metaphorically in Greek (ἔντεινον τὴν σάλπιγγα) to denote ostentatious proclamation.
Historical and Cultural Background
In the first‑century Jewish context, public acts of piety—such as giving alms in the synagogue courtyard—could be witnessed by the community. The Gospel writer records Jesus’ instruction as a counter‑cultural stance that values discretion. The term “hypocrites” (Greek: ὑποκριταί) was a known label for individuals who performed outward religious rituals without corresponding inner sincerity.
Canonical Placement
Matthew 6:2 appears in the following manuscript traditions:
- Greek Manuscripts: Present in major early codices, including Codex Sinaiticus (ℵ), Codex Vaticanus (B), and Codex Alexandrinus (A).
- Latin Vulgate: Rendered as “non ergo, cum elegeris, ostendas tibi in fornixis quod facis” (paraphrased).
- Other Versions: The verse is consistently included across the majority of canonical New Testament editions.
Interpretive Summary
The verse is typically interpreted as an admonition against performing charitable deeds with the intent of gaining human admiration. It reinforces the broader ethical teaching within Matthew 6 that true righteousness seeks divine rather than societal validation. This interpretation is reflected in a range of Christian theological commentaries, including those of Augustine, John Calvin, and modern biblical scholars.
