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Matthew 6:17

Matthew 6:17 in Multiple Translations

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

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

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

But when you go without food, put oil on your head and make your face clean;

Instead, when you fast, wash your face and look smart,

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

'But thou, fasting, anoint thy head, and wash thy face,

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

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

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

Instead, each of you, when you abstain from food, should comb your hair and wash your face as usual,

When you stop eating for God, just be normal and look the same as you always look. Wash your face and comb your hair.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 6:17

BAB
Word Study

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Matthew 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK συ δε νηστευων αλειψαι σου την κεφαλην και το προσωπον σου νιψαι
συ su G4771 you Pron-2NS
δε de G1161 then Conj
νηστευων nēsteuō G3522 to fast Verb-PAP-NSM
αλειψαι aleiphō G218 to anoint Verb-AMM-2S
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
κεφαλην kephalē G2776 head Noun-ASF
και kai G2532 and Conj
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
προσωπον prosōpon G4383 face Noun-ASN
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
νιψαι niptō G3538 to wash Verb-AMM-2S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 6:17

συ su G4771 "you" Pron-2NS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
νηστευων nēsteuō G3522 "to fast" Verb-PAP-NSM
To fast or abstain from food for religious reasons, as Jesus did in Matthew 4:2 and as the disciples did in Matthew 6:16-18. Fasting was a common practice in the New Testament, as seen in Mark 2:18-20.
Definition: νηστεύω (νῆστις), [in LXX for צוּם ;] to fast (Arist., Aristoph., al.): Mat.4:2 6:16-18 9:14-15 Mrk.2:18-20, Luk.5:33-35 18:12, Act.13:2-3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: fast See also: Acts 10:30; Mark 2:19; Matthew 9:15.
αλειψαι aleiphō G218 "to anoint" Verb-AMM-2S
To anoint means to put oil or perfume on someone, like in Matthew 6:17 and Mark 6:13. It's used to show respect or honor, and is also used in religious rituals. The KJV translates it as 'anoint'.
Definition: ἀλείφω (cf. λίπος, oil), [in LXX: Gen.31:13, Exo.40:15, Num.3:3 (מָשַׁח), Eze.13:10 ff. (טוּחַ), Rut.3:3, 2Ki.12:20 14:2, 4Ki.4:2, 2Ch.28:15, Mic.6:15, Dan LXX TH Dan.10:3 (סוּךְ), Est.2:12, Jdth.16:8 * ;] to anoint, festally or in homage: with accusative of thing(s) or of person(s), Mat.6:17, Jhn.12:3, Mrk.16:1; before dative, ἐλαίῳ, Mrk.6:13, Jas.5:14; μύρῳ, Luk.7:38, 46, Jhn.11:2.† SYN.: χρίω, μυρίζω (against the distinction made bet. ἀ. and χ. in Tr., Syn., § 38, see MM, VGT, see word, ἀ.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: anoint See also: James 5:14; Luke 7:46; Matthew 6:17.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κεφαλην kephalē G2776 "head" Noun-ASF
The head is the upper part of the body, but it can also mean a leader or a source, like Christ being the head of the church in 1 Corinthians 11:3. It's about control or authority.
Definition: κεφαλή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX nearly always for רֹאשׁ ;] the head: Mat.5:35, Mrk.6:24, Rev.1:14 9:7, al. mult.; figuratively, ἄνθρακες ἐπὶ τὴν κ., Rom.12:20 (LXX); αἷμι, Act.18:6; metaphorically, of a husband, with genitive, 1Co.1:13, Eph.5:23; of Christ, 1Co.11:3, Eph.4:15 5:23, Col.1:18 2:10, 19; of things, κ. γωνίας, Mat.21:42 (LXX) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: head See also: 1 Corinthians 11:3; Mark 6:28; 1 Peter 2:7.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
προσωπον prosōpon G4383 "face" Noun-ASN
The face or countenance, as seen in Matthew 6:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 3:7, representing a person's presence or appearance. It can also refer to someone's presence or personality. In the Bible, the face is often used to describe a person's emotions or character.
Definition: πρόσωπον, -ου, τό (πρός, ὤψ), [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for פָּנִים ;] __1. prop., of persons (so always in cl.); __(a) the face, countenance: Mat.6:16-17, Mrk.14:65, Luk.9:29, 2Co.3:7, Rev.4:7, al.; τὸ π. τῆς γενέτεως (EV, natural face), Jas.1:23; πίπτειν ἐπὶ (τὰ) π., Mat.17:6, Luk.5:12, Rev.7:11, al.; ἀγνοούμενος τῷ π., Gal.1:22; π., οὐ καρδίᾳ, 1Th.2:17; κατὰ πρόσωπον (in front, facing: Thuc., Xen., al.), when present, face to face, Act.25:16, 2Co.10:1 10:7, Gal.2:11; id. with genitive, as compound prep., in the presence of (not cl.; see Bl., § 40, 9; M, Pr., 99 f.; Thackeray, Gr., 43 f.), Luk.2:31, Act.3:13; similarly ἀπὸ π. (Heb. (פָּנִים מִלִּפְּנֵי); see Dalman, Words, 29), from the presence of, Act.3:19 5:41 7:45, 2Th.1:9, Rev.12:14 20:11; πρὸ π. (Heb. (פָּנִים לִפְנֵי), before, Mat.11:10, Mrk.1:2, Luk.7:27" (LXX), al.; in other phrases resembling Heb. idiom (Thackeray, Gr., 42), βλέπειν (ὁρᾶν, θεωρεῖν, ἰδεῖν) τὸ π., to see one's face, i.e. see him in person, Mat.18:10, Act.20:25, 38, 1Th.3:10, Rev.22:4; ἐμφανισθῆναι τῷ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, Heb.9:24; ἐν π. Χριστοῦ, 2Co.2:10 4:6; μετὰ τοῦ π. σου with thy presence, Act.2:28 (LXX); εἰς π. τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 2Co.8:24; στηρίζειν τὸ π. (Heb. פָּנִים שׂוּם: Jer.21:10, al.; see Dalman, Words, 30), with inf., to set one's face towards, Luk.9:51; similarly, τὸ π. αὐτοῦ ἦν πορευόμενον (op. cit., 31), Luk.9:53; τὸ π. τοῦ κυρίου ἐπί, 1Pe.3:12 (LXX) __(b) form, person: καυχᾶσθαι. ἐν π. καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ, 2Co.5:12 (cf. 1Ki.16:7); metaphorically, as in Heb. idiom, of judgment according to appearance, external condition or circumstances (פָּנִים H5387; see Dalman, Words, 30; Thackeray, Gr., 43 f.): λαμβάνειν π., Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; βλέπειν εἰς π., Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14; θαυμάζειν πρόσωπα, Ju 16. __2. Of things (cf. Dalman, l.with) __(a) face, appearance (Psa.104:30): Mat.16:3 (WH, R, mg., om.), Luk.12:56, Jas.1:11 __(b) surface (Gen.2:6): Luk.21:35, Act.17:26 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 73 NT verses. KJV: (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Luke 1:76; 1 Peter 3:12.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
νιψαι niptō G3538 "to wash" Verb-AMM-2S
To wash, especially hands or feet, like Jesus washing his disciples' feet in John 13:5-6. It can also mean to cleanse oneself, as in Matthew 6:17. This word is used to describe ceremonial washing.
Definition: νίπτω late form of νίζω, [in LXX chiefly for רָחַץ ;] to wash, usually of a part of the body: with accusative of person(s), Jhn.13:8; τ. πόδας, Jhn.13:5-6, 8 13:12, 14, 1Ti.5:10; mid., reflexive, to wash oneself: Jhn.9:7, 11 9:15; τ. χεῖρας, Mat.15:2, Mrk.7:3; τ. πόδας, Jhn.13:10; τ. πρόσωπον, Mat.6:17 (in cl. Att.. prose, used only in compounds; cf. ἀπο-νίπτω).† νίζω, see: νίπτω SYN.: λούω (which see), πλύνω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: wash See also: 1 Timothy 5:10; John 13:8; Matthew 15:2.

Study Notes — Matthew 6:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ruth 3:3 Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.
2 Ecclesiastes 9:8 Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.
3 2 Samuel 12:20 Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.
4 Daniel 10:2–3 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.
5 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.

Matthew 6:17 Summary

In Matthew 6:17, Jesus teaches us that when we fast, we should anoint our head and wash our face, which means to act normally and not draw attention to ourselves. This is so that our fasting is between us and God, and not done to impress others (as seen in Matthew 6:16). By doing this, we can focus on our relationship with God and seek His approval, rather than seeking the praise of men (as seen in Matthew 6:1-4 and Galatians 1:10). We can apply this principle to our daily lives by being mindful of our motives and seeking to please God, rather than men, as taught in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to anoint your head and wash your face when fasting?

In Matthew 6:17, Jesus instructs us to anoint our head and wash our face when fasting, which means to continue with our daily routines and not draw attention to ourselves, as seen in the actions of the hypocrites in Matthew 6:16. This is to ensure that our fasting is done with the right motives, seeking God's approval rather than men's praise.

Is fasting still relevant for Christians today?

Yes, fasting is still relevant for Christians today, as it was an important part of Jesus' life and ministry, and He assumes that His followers will fast, as seen in Matthew 6:16-18 and Matthew 9:14-15. Fasting can help us focus on God, seek His will, and develop self-discipline, as taught in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

How can I keep my fasting a secret, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:17-18?

To keep your fasting a secret, avoid talking about it or seeking to draw attention to yourself, and instead, focus on your personal relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 6:6. You can also consider telling a trusted friend or family member to hold you accountable and provide support, while still maintaining discretion.

What is the purpose of fasting, according to Matthew 6:17-18?

The purpose of fasting, according to Matthew 6:17-18, is to seek God's face, draw near to Him, and deepen our relationship with Him, rather than to seek the approval of men. As Jesus teaches, our Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us, as seen in Matthew 6:18 and Hebrews 11:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of secrecy in my spiritual practices, such as prayer and giving, as taught in Matthew 6:1-18?
  2. How can I use fasting as a means of seeking God's face and deepening my relationship with Him, as seen in Psalm 27:8-9 and Isaiah 58:6-11?
  3. What are some potential pitfalls or wrong motives that I need to guard against when fasting, such as seeking to impress others or earn God's favor, as warned against in Matthew 6:16 and Luke 18:9-14?
  4. How can I balance the need for accountability and support with the need for secrecy in my fasting, as taught in Matthew 6:17-18 and Galatians 6:1-2?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest,.... Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face - as the Jews did, except when mourning (Daniel 10:3); so that the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 6:17

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 6:17

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; Ver. 17. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, &c.] Not but that a man is bound at such a time to abridge himself of the comforts and delights of life, whence it is called a day of restraint, Joe 2:15, and of afflicting the soul. The Ninevites sat in sackcloth, as unworthy of any covering. Others put ashes on their heads, in token that they deserved to be as far under as now they were above ground. David lay on the earth, 2 Samuel 12:16. Daniel laid aside all delights of sense, as music, mirth, perfumes, ointments, &c. Our Saviour fasted to the humbling of his soul, Psalms 35:13, weakening of his knees, Psalms 109:24, macerating and enfeebling of his body, Psalms 69:10. And when upon the cross they offered him wine mingled with myrrh, to stupefy him and make him less sensible of his pain, he received it not, Mark 15:23. To teach us (saith a learned interpreter) in our extraordinary humiliations for our sins, to forbear all such refreshments as might hinder the course of our just griefs. "Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness," James 4:9, such a heaviness as may be seen in the countenance, as the word importeth. But when our Saviour biddeth anoint the head, at such a time, and wash the face, it is, as he expounds himself, "that we may not appear to men to fast:" in a private fast, eschewing wholly the show: in a public, not performing to the show, or to this end, that we may be seen. Vox Hebraica Tsom, significat affligere: unde Aben Ezra ait, ubicunque in scripturis afflictio animae invenitur, ibi intelligitur ieiunium. Graeci dicunt νηστειανανη particula privante, et στενομαι quod est validum et firmum esse. Pet. Mart. Alii ανη et εσθιειν, cibum non comedere. κατηφεια. Tristitia cum vultus demissione. Badaeus. ΑποτουκατωφαηΒαλλειν. Ne te quaesiveris extra.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 6:17

(17) Anoint thine head, and wash thy face.—Both these acts were rigidly prohibited by the traditions of the Elders on the Day of Atonement, and by implication on other fast days also. They were the outward signs of joy (Ecclesiastes 9:8), and were therefore looked on as unsuitable for a time of mourning. The disciples of Christ were to hide their contrition and self-discipline, and even when the heart knew its own bitterness were to be blithe and cheerful, opening their griefs only to their Father in heaven. Openly.—Here again the artificial antithesis is to be rejected as an interpolation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 6:17

Verse 17. Anoint thine head and wash thy face] These were forbidden in the Jewish canon on days of fasting and humiliation; and hypocrites availed themselves of this ordinance, that they might appear to fast. Our Lord, therefore, cautions us against this: as if he had said, Affect nothing - dress in thy ordinary manner, and let the whole of thy deportment prove that thou desirest to recommend my soul to God, and not thy face to men. That factitious mourning, which consists in putting on black clothes, crapes, c., is utterly inconsistent with the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ and if practised in reference to spiritual matters, is certainly forbidden here: but sin is so common, and so boldly persisted in, that not even a crape is put on, as an evidence of deploring its influence, or of sorrow for having committed it.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 6:17

But thou when thou fastest, anoint ... - That is, appear as you do daily. Do not assume any new appearance, or change your visage or dress.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 6:17

17. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face — As these were the customary daily dressings of the Jews, our Lord, in the words, directs them to use their ordinary modes when fasting.

Sermons on Matthew 6:17

SermonDescription
Denny Kenaston (I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ) the Power of a Disciple by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the Christian life. He encourages his audience to prioritize their walk with God by getting rid of anyth
Stewart Ruch Hunger Prayer by Stewart Ruch In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God's word and righteousness. He shares a personal example of purchasing items online and how it satisfies hi
John Follette Personal by John Follette John Follette emphasizes the importance of living with a heavenly perspective while being grounded on earth, teaching from personal experiences and revelations rather than mere the
J.H. Newman Mortification of the Flesh a Scripture Duty by J.H. Newman In this sermon by J.H. Newman, the importance of bodily privation and chastisement as a duty to serve God and prepare for His presence is highlighted through the examples of holy m
John Follette Bread & Fishes by John Follette John Follette emphasizes the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, recognizing that only the Lord can satisfy our deep inner longings. He highlights the need to surrender a
John Follette A Personal Testimony by John Follette John Follette emphasizes the importance of living with a heavenly perspective while being grounded on earth, teaching from personal experiences and revelations given by the Holy Sp
Michael Durham The Practice of Fasting by Michael Durham Michael Durham preaches on the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, emphasizing that fasting is a tool used by Jesus and His apostles to unplug from the world and con

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