What does Matthew 6:6 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 6:6 is a part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is teaching his disciples about the nature of prayer and the pitfalls of hypocrisy.

In this verse, Jesus instructs his followers to pray in a private, intimate setting rather than in a public place where they might be seen by others.

The "closet" refers to a private room or secluded space.

The act of shutting the door signifies the importance of creating a personal and solitary environment where the focus is on genuine communication with God ("thy Father"), rather than on being seen by other people.

The deeper meaning emphasizes the value of sincerity and humility in prayer. Prayer should not be performed to gain the admiration or approval of others but should be a personal moment of communion with God.

The verse reassures believers that God, who is omniscient and present even in the concealment of the closet, will acknowledge their honest prayers and answer them in ways that may become apparent to others ("reward thee openly").

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, it was common for Jewish people to pray in public places, such as the synagogues or at the corners of the streets, especially during certain times of the day.

Ostentatious prayer was often used to demonstrate one's righteousness and religious devotion.

In this context, Jesus presented a radical counter-cultural narrative, calling for a personal and genuine relationship with God that was not influenced by the desire for public recognition or praise.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret Matthew 6:6 in various ways:

• Traditional Christian viewpoint: Suggests that this verse teaches about the importance of a personal and sincere relationship with God, free from the trappings of public piety and the need for human approval.
• Catholic perspective: While valuing communal prayer, the Catholic Church also emphasizes the importance of private prayer, as taught in this verse, as a way to deepen one's personal relationship with God.
• Protestant perspective: Many Protestant denominations stress the importance of a personal faith and relationship with God, echoing the call for solitary prayer as a means to avoid hypocritical behavior and to focus on God alone.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a guide for prayer life in several ways:

Encouraging believers to find a private space for prayer, away from distractions and the pressures of social expectations. 2.

Emphasizing the need for sincerity in prayer, focusing on the content of one’s heart rather than on external appearances. 3.

Highlighting that a person’s value in the eyes of God does not depend on public displays of piety.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:5: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

• Luke 18:10-14: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing that God favors the humble and sincere prayer over the self-righteous.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing," which encourages continual private dialogue with God.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text are:

"Enter" (εἴσελθε - eiselthe): To go or come into a place, signifying the action of entering a private space. 2.

"Closet" (ταμεῖον - tameion): Can be translated as an inner chamber or a secret room, indicating a place of privacy. 3.

"Shut" (κλείσας - kleisas): To close, signifying the intentional effort to create a secluded environment. 4.

"Secret" (κρυπτῷ - kryptō; κρυφίῳ - kryphio): Refers to what is hidden or concealed, emphasizing that God sees what is done in private.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many other ancient religions and cultures, public displays of religious devotion were common, including public prayer, sacrifices, and participation in religious festivals.

In contrast, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:6 stand out by emphasizing the personal and private nature of prayer, distinguishing it from practices that were more focused on communal and public expressions of faith.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports the idea that private and reflective practices, such as meditation and prayer, can have positive effects on mental health.

While scientific perspectives would not address the theological assertions about God’s response to prayer, they do acknowledge the personal benefits of quiet reflection and the cultivation of an inner life.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Matthew 6:6, offering insights into its meaning:

• John Calvin: Emphasized the inward aspect of prayer and criticized those who made a show of their piety.
• William Barclay: Suggested that the true audience of prayer is God, and to pray before men is to turn prayer into theater.
• Matthew Henry: Clarified that the verse does not forbid public prayer but condemns the hypocrisy that seeks to turn prayer into an opportunity for self-display.

These commentaries underline the central message of the verse, focusing on the authenticity of one's spiritual practice over public recognition.