←
Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
2
Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.
13
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A person is a hypocrite who, when giving to the needy, makes a loud display to draw attention to himself. Likewise, someone who fasts and intentionally appears haggard in order to signal his hunger through his appearance is also a hypocrite. Furthermore, a hypocrite is one who prays in public places and on street corners merely to be noticed by others. This understanding leads us to recognize that hypocrites perform their actions solely for the purpose of receiving praise or recognition from people. It seems to me that when someone tells his brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ he often does so out of pride, seeking to appear righteous. Thus, the Lord admonishes him, ‘Hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye.’ In God’s sight, it is not the act of virtue itself that gains favor, but rather the motivation behind that virtue. Moreover, if one has wandered slightly off the right path, it matters little whether one turns right or left, for the true path has been lost."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Savior speaks not out of concern for the trumpets of the hypocrites, but rather to highlight their profound foolishness, using this parable to mock and denounce them. He rightly labels them as hypocrites. Their charitable acts appeared to be genuine, yet their hearts were filled with malice and insensitivity. Their motivations were not rooted in compassion for their fellow man, but in a desire for personal recognition. It is an act of extreme cruelty to seek one's own honor while neglecting to address another's suffering, especially when a person is on the verge of starvation. Therefore, the Savior calls us not only to offer charity but to do so in the appropriate manner."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This trumpet signifies any action or utterance that reveals a spirit of pride. Consider this: if a man provides aid to those in need only when he notices someone watching, but refrains from giving when alone, it becomes a trumpet as it signals his arrogance. Similarly, when a person offers assistance only upon request and neglects to help unless prompted, this behavior also acts as a trumpet. Furthermore, if one chooses to give to someone of higher status from whom he hopes to gain a favor, while ignoring a destitute individual suffering in poverty, this too is a trumpet. Such actions may be performed in private, yet the desire for recognition renders them ostentatious. The very secrecy intended to conceal his generosity ultimately becomes a proclamation of it. Thus, it is not merely the location or the act itself that necessitates discretion, but rather the motive behind it."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"A hypocrite is someone who seeks to present a façade that does not reflect their true self, both within the Church and in the broader realm of human interactions. This individual feigns righteousness but lacks true virtue, believing that their success lies in the fleeting accolades of others. Even those who are deceitful can gain such recognition by misleading the unsuspecting into thinking they are virtuous, thus receiving praise from those who are unaware of their true nature. However, they do not earn any reward from the all-seeing heart of God, only retribution for their deceit. As it is written, they have already obtained their reward from men (see Matthew 6:5). For regarding them, it is rightly said, ‘Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity. For you have spoken My name, but have not done My works’ (see Matthew 7:21-23). Thus, those who give to the poor solely for the sake of self-glorification have already been rewarded; and those who do not seek public acclaim still act in ways that ultimately promote their own glory, as mentioned previously. Truly, one who acts righteously should not aspire to gain human approval; rather, genuine praise should naturally accompany the one who does good, enabling others to be inspired to follow the good example, not for the benefit of the person being praised, but for the edification of all."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructs us in all aspects through heavenly teaching, guiding us towards the fulfillment of perfect faith. He has previously taught that righteous actions should not be performed for the approval of others but rather for God's sake. He now admonishes us, when giving to those in need, not to announce our generosity, as it is inappropriate for a pious heart to engage in divine acts in anticipation of human admiration. Many people donate generously to the poor seeking superficial praise and temporal honor. The Lord indicates that their reward is confined to this earthly existence, for in their pursuit of worldly recognition, they forfeit the promise of the eternal reward."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When you offer charitable gifts, do not announce it with a loud trumpet as the insincere do in places of worship and in public, seeking admiration from others. While these insincere individuals lack literal trumpets, the Lord critiques their motives, as they desire their good deeds to be publicly celebrated. Those who are insincere present themselves in a way that is contrary to their true nature. They may seem compassionate, yet their reality is quite different. They have already attained their reward, as they receive accolades from others and have obtained all their recognition from mankind."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The text cautions against performing acts of charity for the sake of public recognition. One should not proclaim their deeds, seeking the attention of others; the act of sounding the trumpet is meant to gather the crowd's notice. It is noted that, in those days, the insincere would summon the needy with a trumpet's call. A hypocrite is someone who presents a façade to gain the favor of others, concealing their true nature. While their visible actions may suggest generosity, the reality is one of servitude to human approval. They possess, or perhaps hold onto, this disingenuousness."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Hypocrites are marked by their lack of genuine virtue, as they don a facade of righteousness solely to gain admiration from others. Those who give alms hypocritically possess hearts devoid of true mercy, seeking instead to project an image of compassion. Their acts of charity stem not from authentic concern for their neighbors or a commitment to obey the Lord’s command but from a desire for human praise. To attain this fleeting honor, they often announce their generosity loudly, akin to a trumpet, and choose highly visible locations for their donations to attract onlookers. The Savior condemns this unholy behavior, delivering a clear judgment: “Amen I say to you, they shall receive their wages.\\" They seek only human accolades in their charitable giving, receiving the recognition they desire. What should they expect from the Heavenly Father, whose approval they disregard in their acts of kindness? By concealing the cruelty and corruption of their hearts beneath a veneer of charity, they mistakenly believe they can shield themselves from the all-seeing gaze of the Lord, thus incurring further offense. Therefore, the vice of vanity corrupts the noble act of almsgiving, transforming it into a tool of deceit. To caution the faithful, the Savior contrasts this with the true essence of charity, saying, “But to you, He says, who do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing\\" (Matthew 6:3)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Refrain from announcing your good deeds to those around you. Various interpretations have been offered for this statement. In a general sense, some suggest it means to avoid making a commotion that would attract attention (Chrysostom, Theophylact, Euthymius Zigabenus). Others believe the Pharisees literally used a trumpet to summon the poor when giving alms, aiming to gain public recognition. Additionally, there is a notion that this relates to the practice of Eastern beggars who blow a trumpet in anticipation of receiving charity, leading to the interpretation of not allowing the trumpet to sound for you. Others interpret this in relation to the sound of coins dropped into the church collection box (cf. Mk. 12:41). Regardless of the specific understanding, the overarching message is that one should give alms without seeking vanity or the applause of others. \\n\\nHypocrites is a term derived from actors who portray roles distinct from their genuine thoughts and feelings, reflecting a façade rather than authenticity. In the New Testament context, it refers to individuals who display a false sense of religiousity and righteousness, presenting themselves as devout while not embodying those qualities in truth. This was characteristic of the Pharisees, which is why the Savior frequently labeled them as hypocrites. \\n\\nIn the synagogues refers to the places of worship among the Jews (cf. note on Matthew 4:23), where it was customary to collect donations for the needy on the Sabbath. Their desire for human recognition has already been fulfilled; they have received the honor they sought from people, which constitutes their reward. They can expect no further acknowledgment or recompense from God, nor do they merit it."},{"author-name":"Michail (Gribanowski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89544b6742cb4acf9d64e_Michail%20(Gribanowski).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Take care not to perform your charitable acts in front of others so that they may see you; otherwise, you will not receive any reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that people may honor them. Truly I tell you, they have already received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly. Matthew 6:1-4\\n\\nIn these words from the Gospel, the Lord defines the spiritual essence of charitable giving. It is intended solely for God; it should be an act performed in His presence, serving as a sacrifice for His glory. Today, we often perceive charity merely as a humane response, intrinsically linked to the individual or society. When we give, we often view it as a benefit to others, focusing on the good we do for our fellow man. When we contribute to a communal cause, we believe we are enhancing society. Our thoughts of God may become secondary. This is why it is common for us to seek acknowledgment for our good deeds. We might notice a beggar’s gratitude when we offer him help; when we donate to a charitable organization, we expect appreciation in return. We desire recognition through media coverage or public commendation, as this feels like a natural consequence of our acts of kindness when they are done for the approval of men.\\n\\nHowever, God directs us to a different perspective. The primary relationship in the act of giving should be between the giver and God. When we give, it should be akin to an offering to God, with the recipient merely serving as a living altar. We ought to feel thankful for the opportunity to express our love to God through this sacrifice. Whether our act is acknowledged or ignored holds no relevance, similar to how the quality of the altar matters little compared to what we offer. The only outcome we should wish for is that our sacrifice is pleasing to God, and this likelihood increases with purity—meaning fewer extraneous motives and thoughts of personal recognition. When our focus is solely on God, our offering is more likely to be accepted.\\n\\nThere are moments in sacred history that illustrate this notion, such as the offerings of Cain and Abel. Cain’s smoke drifted across the earth, while Abel’s rose directly to heaven. Perhaps this was a manifestation that God disapproved of Cain’s offering but accepted Abel’s. Similarly, our acts of charity should not gain attention from the world. It is beneficial if they ascend directly to God as a pure offering, akin to Abel’s sacrifice, lifted up in the serene silence of our hearts.\\n\\nIf we understand charitable giving in this manner, it follows that we will naturally refrain from announcing it to the world. Instead, we would strive to keep it hidden from human eyes, safeguarding everything that is most precious and personal—much like we do with heartfelt prayers. We should avoid drawing attention to our deeds, allowing our left hand and right hand to remain unaware of each other’s actions. Ultimately, our giving is just a sacrifice to God, offering praise at this moment. Regardless of the nature or size of what we give, its significance before God is measured by our faith and love for Him.\\n\\nWhen you place incense in the censer or light a candle, a moment later, everything is consumed. Whether the incense is large or small, or whether the candle is ornate or simple, does that truly matter to God? Is your faith not what holds value in His sight? Would you pause and take pride in lighting a larger candle? What significance does it hold for Him who created the vast universe? The essence of the act itself holds little weight. Thus, with our acts of charity, the giver understands that it is inconsequential whether the offering is great or small; both hold no intrinsic value to God, who owns all of creation.\\n\\nA true benefactor does not linger on the merit of their actions; they remain grateful for the chance to express love for God and glorify Him. The next moment, their focus shifts to another opportunity to honor God, forgetting the previous offering, which has already passed like the fleeting fragrance from the censer. Anyone who limits their good deeds to merely human recognition or public acknowledgment must recognize that they are performing a human service rather than fulfilling God’s work. Such actions resemble those of pagans and will not resonate in eternity; they will fade along with the transitory noise of this world, failing to reach God or align with the command of Christ.\\n\\nReports of charitable works in newspapers are as relevant as detailing how fervently one prays or how one behaves in church. These matters are deeply personal, intended to be kept from the scrutiny of others; any intrusion into such personal acts is morally wrong. Therefore, every act of goodwill should reflect our prayer to God, our reverence for His name, and our gratitude to Him."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets. During significant festivals and holy days, the Law required the proclamation of these occasions and the initiation of sacred activities through the sound of trumpets (Num. 10:1, 10; Joel 2:1, 15). In light of this command, the Pharisees during Jesus' era instituted the practice of sounding trumpets not just at the start of worship services but also prior to acts of worship such as giving to the poor. This was ostensibly to invite those in need from afar and to maximize the distribution of aid; however, the true motivation was often to gain recognition and praise for their charitable acts. Therefore, the instruction against sounding trumpets before oneself while giving to the needy serves as a reminder to refrain from broadcasting and seeking admiration for one's generosity."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To further instill a deep disdain for the emptiness of human pride, the Redeemer highlights the behavior of hypocrites. Just as He illustrated the point of loving one’s enemies by referencing tax collectors and Gentiles, so too does He guide us in our acts of charity. Therefore, when you contemplate giving alms, do not seek to draw attention to yourself; refrain from boasting, shunning the desire to be recognized by others who might speak of your generosity. Instead, choose discreet places for your charitable acts where they remain unseen; refrain from employing any methods that render your kindness visible to the crowd. Do not act as the hypocrites do, particularly the Pharisees, who perform their good deeds in synagogues and public spaces for all to observe. It is permissible to give alms in a bustling street, yet not with the intention of gaining public admiration. The fate of such hypocrites is regrettable: Truly I say to you, they have already received their reward, enjoying the accolades and honor from people while being denied any reward from God; they do not merit it. God grants rewards only for genuine and untainted goodness, which they lack. While you may have genuinely done good, they possess none of that goodness. However, if you take pride in your charitable acts, they will fade away, revealing that your intentions were not sincere; what remains is vanity, and anything derived from vanity cannot be genuine goodness. Even people discern this; while they may commend you outwardly, they inwardly condemn your arrogance and hypocrisy. St. John Chrysostom observes that such hypocrites’ acts of giving appear generous only in form, masking a heart filled with cruelty and indifference. It is a grave inconsistency to seek glory and acclaim for oneself while neglecting to alleviate the suffering of those in need, especially when they are in dire straits. What then is the proper way to give alms?"},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructed, ‘Thou shalt not sound a trumpet before thyself,’ yet it appears that nearly everyone does, or at least seems to. Someone approaches the heart, inserting their mouth and sounding the trumpet, leading others to hear and admire the sound. How I wish we could find comfort in the notion that this trumpet’s sound, despite originating from within us, is actually produced by a force beyond ourselves! Unfortunately, this realization escapes us; instead, the praise strikes us as so deserved that it feels wrong to refute it. If we think clearly, we will recognize that we are unworthy of such adulation when we announce our own commendations. The very act of tooting the horn reveals our spiritual poverty and unworthiness. \\n\\nWhen you hear the disquieting sound of this adversary's trumpet within you, take a step back and engage in honest self-reflection. Someone within you may proclaim that certain qualities or actions are commendable, but consider why these thoughts emerge and draw your focus. I tell you, it is simply because a fragment of goodness exists within you. Were your deeds abundant in virtue, each individual act would fade into the overarching multitude, lacking distinctiveness. Just as one who possesses a wealth of money hardly notices the arrival of small sums, or as someone with an overabundance of garments pays no mind to additional clothing, our richness in good deeds can cause us to overlook the significance of each one.\\n\\nConsequently, if someone finds delight in a particular good deed, it is likely because it stands out as singular. Even an imperfect deed can captivate attention, whereas an abundance would disperse focus, leaving one unsure of where to direct it. When you hear this inner trumpet, reflect on the fact that your fixation on a specific act is not an expression of self-exaltation but rather a reminder of your lack of virtues. Indeed, when considering the entirety of your actions, it is concerning that only this one deed catches your eye. If that is the case, your situation is truly wretched. Strive not to accumulate merely one good deed; rather, let your life unfold as an unbroken chain of virtuous acts.\\n\\nDo not be swayed by the flattery that invites thoughts of self-glorification. Instead, recognize this temptation's impact and swiftly return to the realization that you are impoverished in good works acceptable to God when you dwell on this or that commendable action. Avoid elevating your opinion of yourself; instead, descend into humility and contrition. The moment you do this, the sound of the trumpet will cease."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
