Matthew 6:2 - Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
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What does "Matthew 6:2" mean?
This verse from Matthew 6:2 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he's teaching about true righteousness and how it differs from the outward displays of piety that were common among some religious leaders of the time. Let's break down what it means:
"Therefore when you do merciful deeds...": This sets the stage for a discussion about acts of charity or kindness. Jesus assumes that his followers will perform acts of mercy.
"...don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets...": This is the core of the verse. The phrase "sound a trumpet" is likely a metaphor. It doesn't necessarily mean they were literally blowing trumpets, although some speculate that large donations might have been announced in some way. More likely, it refers to any way of drawing attention to their acts of giving, such as making a show of generosity or subtly boasting about their good deeds. The "hypocrites" are those who are acting for the sake of appearances rather than out of genuine compassion. They perform charitable acts in public places like synagogues and streets to be seen and praised by others.
"...that they may get glory from men.": This explains the motive of the "hypocrites." Their primary goal is not to help those in need, but to receive the admiration and praise of other people. They're seeking validation from an external source.
"Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.": This is a crucial point. Jesus states emphatically that the hypocrites have already received their reward. Their reward is the praise and recognition they sought from others. They won't receive any further reward from God because their motivation was flawed. They traded eternal reward for fleeting earthly approval.
In essence, the verse is about:
Motives for good deeds: It emphasizes the importance of having pure motives when performing acts of kindness. The focus should be on helping others, not on seeking personal recognition.
Avoiding hypocrisy: It warns against performing religious acts for the sake of appearances or to impress others. Genuine faith is expressed through sincere and selfless actions.
True reward: It suggests that the ultimate reward comes from God, not from human praise. Those who act out of genuine compassion will receive a greater reward than those who seek only worldly recognition.
The message is timeless and applicable to all aspects of life, not just charitable giving. It encourages humility, sincerity, and a focus on serving God and others rather than seeking personal glory.
Matthew 6:2 - Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
What does "Matthew 6:2" mean?
This verse from Matthew 6:2 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he's teaching about true righteousness and how it differs from the outward displays of piety that were common among some religious leaders of the time. Let's break down what it means:
"Therefore when you do merciful deeds...": This sets the stage for a discussion about acts of charity or kindness. Jesus assumes that his followers will perform acts of mercy.
"...don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets...": This is the core of the verse. The phrase "sound a trumpet" is likely a metaphor. It doesn't necessarily mean they were literally blowing trumpets, although some speculate that large donations might have been announced in some way. More likely, it refers to any way of drawing attention to their acts of giving, such as making a show of generosity or subtly boasting about their good deeds. The "hypocrites" are those who are acting for the sake of appearances rather than out of genuine compassion. They perform charitable acts in public places like synagogues and streets to be seen and praised by others.
"...that they may get glory from men.": This explains the motive of the "hypocrites." Their primary goal is not to help those in need, but to receive the admiration and praise of other people. They're seeking validation from an external source.
"Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.": This is a crucial point. Jesus states emphatically that the hypocrites have already received their reward. Their reward is the praise and recognition they sought from others. They won't receive any further reward from God because their motivation was flawed. They traded eternal reward for fleeting earthly approval.
In essence, the verse is about:
Motives for good deeds: It emphasizes the importance of having pure motives when performing acts of kindness. The focus should be on helping others, not on seeking personal recognition.
Avoiding hypocrisy: It warns against performing religious acts for the sake of appearances or to impress others. Genuine faith is expressed through sincere and selfless actions.
True reward: It suggests that the ultimate reward comes from God, not from human praise. Those who act out of genuine compassion will receive a greater reward than those who seek only worldly recognition.
The message is timeless and applicable to all aspects of life, not just charitable giving. It encourages humility, sincerity, and a focus on serving God and others rather than seeking personal glory.