Matthew 6 3

Matthew 6:3 kjv

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Matthew 6:3 nkjv

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Matthew 6:3 niv

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Matthew 6:3 esv

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Matthew 6:3 nlt

But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

Matthew 6 verses

Matthew 6 3 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to practice acts of charity with utmost secrecy, ensuring that their left hand, an idiom for self-awareness or human recognition, does not acknowledge what their right hand, symbolizing the act of giving, is doing. The core teaching emphasizes pure motives in giving, completely devoid of any desire for human praise, recognition, or even self-satisfaction that stems from being seen. The only audience for such an act of generosity should be God.

Matthew 6 3 Context

Matthew chapter 6 is a core part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the true practice of righteousness. After declaring that followers of God should "let their light shine before others" (Mt 5:16) by their good works, Jesus clarifies the motive behind such works. He warns against performing religious duties—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—for human recognition rather than for God. Verse 3 specifically addresses almsgiving (eleēmosynē, meaning 'mercy' or 'alms'), directly contrasting the showy, self-promoting displays of the hypocrites (as mentioned in Mt 6:2, who "sound a trumpet" to announce their giving) with the radical humility and absolute secrecy Jesus demands. The teaching shifts the focus from external observance to internal purity of heart and intention.

Matthew 6 3 Word analysis

• But (Ἀλλὰ - Alla): This strong conjunction introduces a sharp contrast to the previous verse (Mt 6:2). It directly opposes the behavior of hypocrites who seek public recognition for their almsgiving, redirecting the audience to an entirely different standard.
• when you give to the needy (σου ποιοῦντος ἐλεημοσύνην - sou poiountos eleēmosynēn):
  • ποιούντος (poiountos): Present participle, "while you are doing." It assumes giving is a continuous and expected practice for a follower of God.
  • ἐλεημοσύνην (eleēmosynēn): The Greek word means "mercy," "compassion," or "alms/charitable gifts." It signifies an act of generous relief to the poor and needy, stemming from a heart of mercy. This emphasizes that genuine giving is rooted in compassion, not a transactional duty.
  • The phrase literally means "when you are doing alms/mercy." It highlights the action of giving as a direct expression of compassion.
• do not let (μὴ γνώτω - mē gnōtō): A negative imperative in Greek. It's a forceful command, "let it not know" or "do not allow it to know." This signifies a deliberate suppression of any impulse towards self-promotion or even internal accounting for the good deed.
• your left hand (ἡ ἀριστερά σου - hē aristera sou): Figurative language, referring to the entire self in relation to the act, or perhaps symbolically any witness, including one's own conscious mind that might seek credit. In Jewish culture, the right hand was often associated with strength, action, and blessings. The "left hand" here likely represents one's own internal awareness that could lead to pride, or the desire for any recognition whatsoever.
• know (γνώτω - gnōtō): From ginōskō, "to know," "perceive," "become aware of." The command is that even one's internal awareness of a charitable act should not register in a way that generates self-satisfaction or pride.
• what your right hand is doing (τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου - ti poiei hē dexia sou):
  • ἡ δεξιά σου (hē dexia sou): "Your right hand." This symbolizes the actual act of giving. The right hand was generally the dominant hand used for work and giving, signifying the primary action.
  • τί ποιεῖ (ti poiei): "what it is doing." The essence of the hyperbole is to carry out acts of charity with such discretion that there's no opportunity for any internal or external glorification.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "But when you give to the needy...": This sets the stage. Jesus assumes His followers will engage in almsgiving as an integral part of their faith, a continuation of righteous tradition, but He immediately shifts to how it should be done.
  • "...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing": This vivid hyperbole is central to the verse's meaning. It's an idiomatic expression for extreme secrecy, purity of intention, and utter humility. It implies such a profound lack of self-awareness concerning one's good deed that the "doer" doesn't even "take credit" for it mentally, let alone seek public acclaim. The focus is entirely on the recipient and God, not the giver.

Matthew 6 3 Bonus section

This verse offers a crucial insight into reconciling Jesus' instruction to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Mt 5:16) with the command to give in secret. The key lies in the motive. In Matthew 5:16, the purpose of good works is for God's glory through the observer's recognition of the divine source. In Matthew 6:3, the warning is against performing works for one's own glory. The tension dissolves when the act of goodness serves only to point to God, without seeking personal commendation or a reciprocal benefit from men. This also challenges the common human tendency towards self-righteousness, even if it manifests only as internal pride or recounting one's good deeds. The truly generous heart releases the deed entirely to God, understanding that the reward comes solely from Him who sees in secret.

Matthew 6 3 Commentary

Matthew 6:3 delivers a powerful lesson on the motive behind Christian giving. It is a stark contrast to self-seeking religious performance, urging a level of secrecy in charity that extends even to one's own internal thought process. This isn't a literal command to make one's body unaware of its actions, but a profound hyperbolic teaching. The essence is that genuine generosity must stem from a heart devoted to God alone, seeking His approval and nothing more. When one gives, the intention should be so pure that there's no thought of personal merit, reward, or recognition, even within one's own mind. It cultivates true humility and prioritizes the need of the recipient and the glory of God. Practical usage involves anonymous donations, performing acts of kindness without publicizing them on social media, or serving quietly in ministries without seeking acknowledgment or praise.