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Matthew 6

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.

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.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

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.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

What does Matthew 6:33 mean?

Explanation

[Matthew 6:33] emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual commitment and moral integrity over worldly concerns.

In a literal sense, Jesus instructs his followers to place their focus on God's kingdom and His standards of righteousness before all else. Deeper meanings suggest a life lived in alignment with God's will, promising that our material needs will be met as a consequence of our spiritual dedication.

This verse urges trust in God's providential care, advocating a detachment from the anxiety of daily survival in favor of a life centered on divine pursuits.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7.

During this sermon, Jesus addresses a Jewish audience in a Roman-occupied Judea, approximately in the 1st century CE.

At that time, people commonly worried about their basic needs due to economic and political uncertainties.

The teaching was radical, as it called for a reassessment of priorities in a culture where daily life was fraught with concerns about physical sustenance and Roman oppression.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been understood through various perspectives.

For Protestant Christians, it is often seen as a call to live a life of faith, valuing spiritual welfare over material gain.

Catholic interpretation may emphasize the virtue of trusting in Divine Providence.

Liberation theology might view it as a call to seek justice and the establishment of a society reflecting God's reign.

Some evangelical Christians interpret "the kingdom of God" as a personal relationship with Jesus, while others might see it as the arena of God's rule within the church or in the world.

Practical Applications

Practically, Matthew 6:33 suggests a lifestyle where spiritual disciplines (like prayer, worship, and service to others) take precedence.

It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to reduce anxiety about material needs.

This could manifest in charitable living, ethical decision-making, and pursuing careers or lifestyles that align with one's values rather than solely financial benefit.

Cross-References

[Matthew 6:31-32]: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."
[Philippians 4:19]: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
[Luke 12:31]: "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
[Psalm 37:25]: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
[1 Kings 3:11-13]: In this passage, God rewards Solomon's request for wisdom (a spiritual request) with both wisdom and the additional blessings of wealth and honor that Solomon did not ask for.

Language Study

Key words in this verse from the original Greek text include:

"seek" (ζητεῖτε, zeteite): implies an active and earnest pursuit, not a passive wish.
"kingdom of God" (βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, basileian tou Theou): often interpreted as God's reign or the realm where God's will is fulfilled.
"righteousness" (δικαιοσύνην, dikaiosynen): translates to justice or the state of him who is such as he ought to be, the condition acceptable to God.

These words highlight the active pursuit of a life oriented toward God's will and ethical standards.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be found in other religious traditions that emphasize prioritizing spiritual pursuits over material concerns.

In many Dharmic religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, a similar emphasis on spiritual over material wealth is seen, as is the concept of Dharma, or righteous living.

Ancient philosophical movements like Stoicism similarly taught the importance of virtue over material success.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, one might examine the psychological benefits of religious faith and community membership for reducing anxiety and stress related to material concerns.

Furthermore, the effects of altruistic behavior on physical and mental health can be explored, highlighting potential benefits of living according to the principles suggested by this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of Matthew 6:33.

Renowned commentator Matthew Henry views it as guidance for proper ordering of our desires, ensuring that concerns for the soul and eternity outweigh temporal needs.

William Barclay emphasizes the idea that when individuals seek God's principles in every aspect of life, the rest falls into place.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that the promise of "all these things" being added is contingent on the believer's trust in God's wisdom and timing, rather than a guarantee of wealth or comfort.

Matthew 6

Matthew 6

What does Matthew 6:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 6:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?