What does Matthew 6:5 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 6:5 is a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He instructs His followers on how to conduct themselves in various matters of life, including prayer.

In this verse, Jesus criticizes those who pray with the intention of being seen and admired by others, rather than seeking a genuine connection with God.

The verse suggests that authentic prayer is a private and humble communion with God, not a public display for the sake of one's own reputation. He refers to the "hypocrites" who make an ostentatious show of their piety, contrasting their behavior with the humble approach He advocates.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Jewish prayer was an integral part of daily life, often carried out in synagogues and during public gatherings.

There was a cultural emphasis on piety and religious observance.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples and a crowd that had gathered, addressed the common practice where some individuals would pray in highly visible places to gain social approval.

This was done in a society where religious leaders, like the Pharisees, were highly respected and often sought to maintain their status through demonstrative acts of righteousness.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives focus on the intentions behind actions.

From an evangelical viewpoint, this verse reinforces the concept that God values the sincerity of one's heart over outward appearances.

In Catholicism, it reflects the importance of humility in spiritual practices.

Progressive theologians might emphasize Jesus' critique of religious hypocrisy and how it can be applied in various institutional settings.

All these perspectives highlight the universal spiritual principle that communion with the Divine should be personal and not corrupted by the desire for human admiration.

Practical Applications

In modern life, this verse can be applied by encouraging individuals to examine their motivations when engaging in religious or spiritual practices.

It can also be generalized beyond prayer to include all acts of charity and service, prompting reflection on whether these are done for personal gain or have genuine intent.

This teaching encourages authenticity in one's spiritual life and challenges individuals to focus on inward transformation rather than external validation.

Cross-References

• 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: "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican..."
• Matthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

Language Study

The term "hypocrites" in Greek (ὑποκριταί - hypokritai) referred to actors on a stage, playing a role, and by extension, it came to mean someone who pretends to be what they are not.

"Prayest" (προσεύχῃ - proseuchē) encompasses the act of prayer or petition. The original language emphasizes the contrast between genuine prayer and a performed act meant for an audience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, public displays of piety were common, often involving elaborate rituals.

By contrast, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:5 call for a departure from such practices.

The emphasis on internal piety over external performance can be compared to other religious traditions that value personal sincerity over ritual, such as the teachings of the Buddha on inward purity or the Islamic emphasis on the intention (niyyah) behind acts of worship.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific component to the verse, the psychological concept of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation is relevant.

Scientific research suggests that actions driven by intrinsic motivation (in this case, a genuine desire for spiritual connection) are more fulfilling and sustainable than those driven by extrinsic rewards, such as social recognition, which aligns with the principles Jesus is teaching in this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often highlighted the contrast between appearances and reality that Jesus addresses in this passage.

John Calvin remarks upon the vanity of those who wish to appear more devout than they truly are.

Matthew Henry comments on the importance of solitary prayer and the danger of seeking the praise of people over the approval of God.

Modern commentators often extend this criticism to contemporary religious practices, calling for authenticity in faith expressions.