What does Jesus mean by not doing alms before men to be seen of them?

Jesus is not saying we should never be seen doing good. He is warning about the motive behind our giving. In his day, some people gave to the poor in very public ways so that others would notice and praise them. They cared more about their reputation than about the needy or about pleasing God. Jesus says if our goal is to be seen, then human praise is the only reward we will get, and we should not expect any reward from our Father in heaven.

Why does Jesus compare these givers to hypocrites in synagogues and streets?

The word “hypocrite” originally referred to actors who wore masks and played a part on stage. Jesus uses it for people who put on a show of being holy while their hearts are elsewhere. Some would choose busy places, like synagogues and street corners, to give alms so as many people as possible would see them. Their act of charity was really about themselves. They appeared to care for the poor and for God, but their true aim was glory from people, so Jesus calls them hypocrites.

How does giving in secret show trust in God’s reward?

When we choose to give without seeking attention, we are trusting that God’s eyes are enough. Human praise is instant and loud, but short-lived. God’s reward may be quieter now and fully seen only at the last day, yet it is the only reward that lasts. By giving in secret, we are saying that God’s approval matters more than people’s applause. We believe that our Father does not miss even the smallest hidden act of mercy and that he will openly honor what was done for him.

What kind of reward do those who seek human praise receive?

Jesus says, “They have their reward.” That means they get exactly what they were after: people’s praise. They may be talked about, respected, or admired for a time, but that is all. They should not expect any further reward from God, because they were not truly serving him. Their giving was a trade, exchanging an act of charity for a moment of glory. According to Jesus, that kind of reward is shallow and passing, and it leaves a person with nothing lasting before God.

What does this passage teach about God as Father who sees in secret?

This passage shows God as a close and caring Father who notices what others overlook. He is not impressed by public show, but he sees the heart and the hidden act of kindness that no one else sees. Nothing done for him is lost or forgotten. He does not need loud displays to notice good works. This should both comfort and guide us, because it means simple, quiet obedience matters deeply to him, and he will one day bring all these hidden things to light.

How can I apply Jesus’ teaching on almsgiving to my life today?

Start by checking your motives when you give or serve. Ask yourself, “Would I still do this if no one knew about it?” If you can, give in ways that do not draw attention to you. Avoid talking about your own generosity unless there is a clear need to share. When you feel the pull to impress others, remind yourself that your Father sees in secret. Let that thought be enough. Focus on loving the person in need and honoring God, not on building a name for yourself.

Is Jesus against all public good works in this passage?

No. Elsewhere he teaches that good works can be seen and can help others honor God. The issue here is not visibility itself, but the heart. If we do good mainly to be noticed, we are seeking our own glory. If we do good before others while our aim is that God would be praised and people helped, that fits his will. In this passage he speaks very strongly to cure the love of praise, so we learn to be content even when no one at all sees what we have done.

Matt.6.1

Matthew 6:1

Q: What does let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth mean?

This phrase is a picture, not a literal command. Our two hands cannot think, but Jesus speaks this way to stress how quiet and humble our giving should be. He is saying, give in such a hidden and simple way that you are not busy thinking about yourself or admiring your own kindness. Do not draw attention, even in your own thoughts. Be content that God sees, and do not feed your pride by replaying your good deed to gain inner praise from yourself.

KJV Jesus

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.

Giving to the Needy

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.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.