What does Matthew 6:2 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 6:2 is a verse from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses the issue of genuine versus hypocritical righteousness.

Here, Jesus criticizes those who perform acts of charity , referred to as "alms" , for the sake of public recognition rather than out of genuine compassion or devotion to God.

The phrase "sound a trumpet before thee" is likely a metaphor for announcing one's deeds loudly so that everyone can take notice.

It specifically condemns the motive of seeking glory from other people rather than from God.

Jesus warns that those who seek human praise as their primary reward for charitable acts will receive no additional reward from God, emphasizing that divine approval should be the goal of genuine religious practice.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of Second Temple Judaism, a period characterized by an emphasis on religious piety and community observance of the Law of Moses. Almsgiving was a highly-regarded religious act.

However, it appears that some individuals performed these acts more for social approval and status than for the sake of compassion or obedience to God.

By instructing his listeners not to "sound a trumpet before thee," Jesus is contrasting the authentic spirituality He advocates with the showy, self-congratulatory practices that were common among some religious people of the time.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer various insights on this verse.

From an evangelical point of view, the verse might be seen as emphasizing personal piety and intimacy with God, rather than seeking to earn salvation through works.

Catholic theology might place the verse within the broader context of the Christian duty to perform acts of mercy, while emphasizing that these should be done out of love for God and neighbor, not for personal aggrandizement.

Liberation theology might use this verse to discuss the importance of solidarity with the poor without exploiting one's acts of helping for self-serving purposes.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Matthew 6:2 can be applied in various ways:

• Perform acts of charity discreetly and without seeking acknowledgment or reward from others.
• Evaluate one's motives when participating in charitable activities to ensure they are aligned with a desire to help others and honor God, rather than for personal gain.
• Encourage a culture of humility in community and religious practices, placing greater value on sincerity rather than public display.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:1 - "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
• Matthew 23:5 - "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
• Luke 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, which also discusses the theme of humility versus self-righteousness.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "do not sound a trumpet before thee" uses the term "σαλπίζω" (salpizō), which means "to sound a trumpet." It implies making a loud, attention-getting noise, which metaphorically means to publicly announce or make known.

"Hypocrites" is translated from the Greek "ὑποκριταί" (hypokritai), which originally referred to actors on a stage, and by extension, those who put on a performance in real life, pretending to be something they are not.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The critique of ostentatious piety is not unique to Christianity.

In Judaism, the concept of "tzedakah," meaning righteousness and charity, is considered a private matter.

Islam also emphasizes the importance of discreet charity; in the Hadith, it is said that the left hand should not know what the right hand gives in alms.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives typically do not address theological matters directly, there could be psychological research on the benefits of altruism and the effects of motivations on the giver and the receiver.

Studies have shown that when altruistic acts are performed genuinely without seeking external rewards, they can be more satisfying to the giver and more beneficial to the receiver.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Matthew 6:2.

John Stott, an evangelical theologian, suggests that display disqualifies; when religious acts are performed for show, they become theater, not worship.

In the Matthew Henry Commentary, Henry states that what is done with an eye to God's glory, and not our own, shall be accepted by God.

The theme of humility in almsgiving is echoed in many commentaries, emphasizing that true Christian charity should be done quietly and without fanfare.