Matthew 6:17 - But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;
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What does "Matthew 6:17" mean?
This verse, Matthew 6:17, is part of Jesus' teaching on avoiding hypocrisy when practicing religious devotion. Specifically, it addresses the act of fasting. To understand the meaning, it's helpful to consider the context of the surrounding verses (Matthew 6:16-18):
Matthew 6:16 (the problem): "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." This verse highlights the hypocrisy of making a show of fasting to gain praise from others. They were purposely looking pale, unkempt, and generally miserable.
Matthew 6:17-18 (the solution): "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly." This gives instruction for when you fast.
Meaning of Matthew 6:17:
"But you, when you fast...": Jesus is contrasting the behavior of the hypocrites with the behavior He expects from His followers.
"...anoint your head...": In that time, anointing the head with oil was a common practice, often done on special occasions, to show joy, celebration, or well-being. During a fast, people would typically avoid anointing themselves as a sign of their piety and sacrifice. Jesus is telling them to do the opposite of what's expected.
"...and wash your face...": Similarly, washing the face was a normal practice for hygiene and presentation. Those trying to appear pious while fasting would neglect their appearance, making themselves look gaunt and unwashed. Jesus is telling them to maintain a normal, presentable appearance.
Overall Interpretation:
Jesus is not advocating for never fasting, nor is He prescribing specific rituals to perform while fasting. Instead, He's emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility in religious practices. The core message is:
Focus on inward devotion, not outward appearances. Your motivation for fasting (or any act of piety) should be between you and God, not for the approval of others.
Avoid drawing attention to your fasting. Don't make a show of your sacrifice. Act normally. Your reward will come from God, not from human praise.
Sincerity over Showmanship: God values a heart that is genuinely seeking Him over a performance intended to impress others.
In essence, Matthew 6:17 urges us to approach fasting (and all religious practices) with authenticity and humility, prioritizing a genuine connection with God over the pursuit of human admiration. It's a call to make our faith a personal and sincere matter, not a public spectacle.
Matthew 6:17 - But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;
What does "Matthew 6:17" mean?
This verse, Matthew 6:17, is part of Jesus' teaching on avoiding hypocrisy when practicing religious devotion. Specifically, it addresses the act of fasting. To understand the meaning, it's helpful to consider the context of the surrounding verses (Matthew 6:16-18):
Matthew 6:16 (the problem): "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." This verse highlights the hypocrisy of making a show of fasting to gain praise from others. They were purposely looking pale, unkempt, and generally miserable.
Matthew 6:17-18 (the solution): "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly." This gives instruction for when you fast.
Meaning of Matthew 6:17:
"But you, when you fast...": Jesus is contrasting the behavior of the hypocrites with the behavior He expects from His followers.
"...anoint your head...": In that time, anointing the head with oil was a common practice, often done on special occasions, to show joy, celebration, or well-being. During a fast, people would typically avoid anointing themselves as a sign of their piety and sacrifice. Jesus is telling them to do the opposite of what's expected.
"...and wash your face...": Similarly, washing the face was a normal practice for hygiene and presentation. Those trying to appear pious while fasting would neglect their appearance, making themselves look gaunt and unwashed. Jesus is telling them to maintain a normal, presentable appearance.
Overall Interpretation:
Jesus is not advocating for never fasting, nor is He prescribing specific rituals to perform while fasting. Instead, He's emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility in religious practices. The core message is:
Focus on inward devotion, not outward appearances. Your motivation for fasting (or any act of piety) should be between you and God, not for the approval of others.
Avoid drawing attention to your fasting. Don't make a show of your sacrifice. Act normally. Your reward will come from God, not from human praise.
Sincerity over Showmanship: God values a heart that is genuinely seeking Him over a performance intended to impress others.
In essence, Matthew 6:17 urges us to approach fasting (and all religious practices) with authenticity and humility, prioritizing a genuine connection with God over the pursuit of human admiration. It's a call to make our faith a personal and sincere matter, not a public spectacle.