Matthew 6 18

Matthew 6:18 kjv

That 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.

Matthew 6:18 nkjv

so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:18 niv

so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:18 esv

that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:18 nlt

Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6 verses

Matthew 6 18 Meaning

Matthew 6:18 teaches that the spiritual discipline of fasting, like almsgiving and prayer, should be performed with a genuine heart focused solely on God, not for human admiration or praise. True fasting is a private act of devotion directed towards God, who sees beyond outward appearances and will openly reward sincere piety practiced in secret.

Matthew 6 18 Context

Matthew 6:18 is part of Jesus' teaching on righteous living within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Specifically, it belongs to a section (Matthew 6:1-18) that contrasts genuine acts of piety—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—with the hypocritical practices of those who perform religious duties for public acclaim. Jesus addresses common religious disciplines, emphasizing a profound shift from external show to internal devotion. The immediate context of verses 16-18 focuses on fasting, paralleling the previous instructions for almsgiving (vv. 2-4) and prayer (vv. 5-6). Historically, public fasting was a visible sign of piety among Jews, often accompanied by dishevelled appearance, which the Pharisees exaggerated for public notice. Jesus redefines acceptable practice, promoting authenticity and a secret communion with God, countering the pervasive religious ostentation of the time.

Matthew 6 18 Word analysis

• so that (Greek: hopōs): Introduces a purpose clause, indicating the desired outcome of the instruction: the secrecy of fasting. It specifies why one should act in the manner described previously (washing face, anointing head).
• you may not appear (Greek: mē phanēs): Negates outward display. Phanēs (from phainō) means 'to make appear, to shine, to be seen'. It implies a conscious effort not to be seen by others in the act of fasting. This directly contrasts the "hypocrites" of v. 16.
• to others to be fasting: This specifies the audience one should not be trying to impress—other human beings. The desire for human validation corrupts the spiritual act.
• but to your Father: Introduces the true and proper audience. The intimate term "Father" (Pater) highlights a relational, covenantal bond. Fasting becomes an expression of personal devotion and submission to Him.
• who is in secret (Greek: ho en tō krýptō): Refers to God's hidden presence or unseen nature, emphasizing that God is not limited to public display. It also means "the secret place," referring to the intimate, private sphere where God resides with His worshiper. This contrasts God's secret sight with man's limited outward view.
• and your Father who sees (Greek: ho blepōn): Reaffirms God's omnipresence and omniscient perception. Blepōn (from blepō) means 'to see, discern, perceive'. It indicates God's comprehensive knowledge of inner intentions and hidden acts.
• in secret: Again, en tō krýptō. God discerns not just outward actions, but the hidden, inner reality of the heart, the motives behind the secret act.
• will reward you (Greek: apodōsei soi): Promises a sure recompense. Apodōsei (from apodidōmi) means 'to give back, repay, restore'. This reward is not earned but given by God's grace for sincerity. The reward is certain and guaranteed by God's nature. This divine reward contrasts with fleeting human praise.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "so that you may not appear to others to be fasting": This phrase directly confronts the Pharisaic tendency of ostentatious religiosity (as mentioned in Matt 6:16). It condemns religious performance done for external validation, turning a spiritual discipline into a self-serving spectacle. The aim is to avoid outward notice.
• "but to your Father who is in secret": This phrase establishes the singular, divine audience for spiritual acts. It shifts the focus from horizontal (man to man) to vertical (man to God), advocating for genuine intimacy and exclusive devotion. "In secret" highlights both the hiddenness of God and the hiddenness of the devotional act.
• "and your Father who sees in secret will reward you": This promise assures the believer that God's omnipresence and justice guarantee that no sincere act of faith, no matter how hidden, goes unnoticed or unrewarded. God's perception penetrates the veil of appearance to discern true devotion, and His character necessitates a just recompense for that sincerity. The "reward" underscores God's faithfulness and generosity to His obedient children.

Matthew 6 18 Bonus section

The "reward" mentioned in Matthew 6:18, like the rewards in Matt 6:4 and 6:6, is primarily the deepened communion with God Himself, knowing His pleasure, and experiencing His presence, along with eternal blessings. It's not a transactional payment for services, but an intrinsic consequence of aligning oneself with God's will and delighting in His glory rather than one's own. This heavenly reward surpasses any earthly recognition. This emphasis on secrecy underscores the privacy required for genuine spiritual disciplines. While corporate worship and public expressions of faith are also biblical, these specific disciplines (alms, prayer, fasting) often thrive most effectively in the quiet solitude where the human ego has less influence, allowing for direct, unfiltered encounter with God.

Matthew 6 18 Commentary

Matthew 6:18 distills a fundamental principle of true godliness: authenticity and a heart solely oriented towards God. Following specific instructions given in verses 17 (washing one's face, anointing one's head), this verse clearly articulates the purpose behind those actions—to make one appear normal to others, thus concealing the act of fasting. The core message is that religious practices, such as fasting, are sacred conversations between an individual and God. When done for human recognition, they become corrupted, losing their spiritual efficacy and transforming into acts of pride. God, who is Himself "in secret"—unseen, omniscient, and omnipresent—sees the innermost motivations of the heart, which humans cannot discern. He perceives not just the action but the intention behind it. Therefore, the ultimate reward comes from Him alone, for only His validation truly matters. This teaching challenges believers to examine their motives in all acts of faith, urging a sincere pursuit of God over fleeting human praise, ensuring the spiritual discipline accomplishes its intended purpose of drawing closer to the Divine.

Examples for practical usage:

• Praying without announcing intentions to others.
• Volunteering without seeking public commendation.
• Giving charitably without publicizing the deed.