New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 6:16

Treasures and Worry

When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. Matthew 6:16 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 6:16, in plain English

When you fast, don't put on a miserable face to let everyone know you're fasting; that performance is its own hollow reward.

Why it's here

Some people in Jesus' day would literally mess up their appearance so others would notice their sacrifice and admire them.

Who's speaking

Jesus, coaching you on authentic spirituality.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus is tearing down the idea that faith is a show and rebuilding it as something real and private between you and God.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus addresses fasting, warning against the practice of skuthropos (gloomy/disfigured) appearances used by hypocrites to broadcast their piety and gain human admiration.

Language and setting

Fasting was practiced on Mondays and Thursdays by devout Jews; some would neglect grooming to visibly display their devotion.

Voice

Jesus, teaching on authentic spiritual disciplines.

Significance

This is the third of three examples (giving, prayer, fasting) where Jesus contrasts performative religion with genuine devotion.

In context

Matthew 6:14–18

14For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

16When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

18so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Read all of Matthew 6 — Jesus redefines wealth, prayer, and anxiety in a single breath. The lilies and the birds become his unlikely teachers.

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