What does Matthew 6:16 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 6:16 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible instructs believers on the appropriate attitude and behavior during the act of fasting.

Jesus is addressing his disciples and the broader crowd, criticizing those who fast with the intent of showing off their religious piety to gain the admiration and approval of others.

He calls such people hypocrites for deliberately altering their appearances to look pitiful or distressed to make their fasting apparent.

The "sad countenance" and "disfigure their faces" are vivid descriptions of how these individuals might have exaggerated signs of suffering to draw attention to their fast.

The deeper meaning here suggests that fasting ought to be a private matter between the individual and God, not a public spectacle for self-aggrandizement.

Furthermore, it points to the condition of the heart and the motivation behind religious practices.

Those who seek human admiration for their acts are said to receive their "reward" in full by gaining the notice of others, implying that they forfeit the spiritual benefits that would otherwise be obtained from a sincere fast.

Historical Context

At the time of Jesus, fasting was a common religious practice among Jews and many other cultures.

It was often tied to penitence, mourning, or deep religious fervor.

The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish religious sect, were particularly known for strict adherence to the Law and for their public displays of piety.

Fasting twice a week was a typical practice for them, often on Mondays and Thursdays.

Jesus is likely referencing these practices and attitudes prevalent among the Pharisees and other religious individuals who were more concerned with outward religiosity than genuine devotion.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret this verse with various emphases.

From a mainstream Christian viewpoint, the verse underscores the virtue of humility in one's spiritual life - that acts of devotion and self-denial should not be done for public approval but should be sincere offerings to God.

Some theologians may argue that this teaching is not against fasting per se but against insincere religious formalism.

The verse also reflects the biblical concept that God knows the intentions of the heart and that true reward comes from God's approval, not human accolades.

Other theological perspectives might focus on the idea of "reward" and discuss the nature of spiritual rewards in contrast with temporal rewards.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a guide on the importance of authenticity in one's religious practice.

Practically, it suggests that individuals should examine their motivations for religious practices and strive for sincerity.

It teaches that one should not perform acts of faith for the purpose of being seen and praised by others, but rather out of a true commitment to and desire for relationship with God.

In contemporary terms, it speaks against the temptation to publicize one's good deeds on social media or elsewhere for affirmation.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 58:5-7: This passage also discusses the appropriate way to fast and what God considers a true fast.
• Matthew 23:5: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for doing works to be seen by men.
• Luke 18:12: A Pharisee boasts about fasting twice a week in a parable Jesus tells about self-righteousness.
• James 4:10: Emphasizes humility before the Lord.

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the word ὑποκριταί (hypokritai) for "hypocrites," which originally referred to actors who wore masks, the implication being people pretending to be what they are not.

"Sad countenance" translates from σκυθρωποί (skythropoi), which means to look gloomy or to darken one's face.

"Disfigure" is from ἀφανίζουσιν (aphanizousin), meaning to render invisible or unrecognizable; in this context, it implies altering one's appearance to be unseen or to draw attention to oneself in a negative way.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, acting in ways to draw attention to oneself during religious rituals could be seen in positive or negative lights, depending on the culture and context.

Some societies might have encouraged ostentatious displays of piety as a way to demonstrate status or devotion, while others, like the teaching of Jesus here, may have seen such practices as disingenuous or missing the spiritual purpose of the act.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might analyze this verse through the lens of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation, doing something for its own sake, is often contrasted with extrinsic motivation, or doing something for external rewards.

This verse encourages intrinsic motivation in religious practice, fasting should be for personal and spiritual growth, not for external validation.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars agree that this verse reflects Jesus' emphasis on inward piety versus outward religiosity.

William Barclay notes that the true value of religious acts lies in their intent rather than their display.

John Calvin, the Reformation theologian, commented on the hypocritical nature of such displays and the importance of sincere faith.

Contemporary commentaries continue to highlight the theme of authentic devotion being central to the teachings of Jesus, especially in contrast to the legalistic tendencies of the religious leaders of his time.