Matthew 6:4
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly--The word "Himself" appears to be an unauthorized addition to the text, which the sense no doubt suggested. (See Ti1 5:25; Rom 2:16; Co1 4:5). Prayer (Mat 6:5-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That thine alms may be in secret,.... May be done in secret, and be kept a secret. The allusion seems to be to the secret chamber, where money was brought privately for the relief of the poor. "There were two chambers in the sanctuary, the one was , "the chamber of secrets", and the other the chamber of vessels: the chamber of secrets was that into which pious persons put "in secret", and the poor children of good men were maintained out of it privately (q).'' The Jews say many things in favour of doing alms privately. "Greater, (say they (r),) is he that gives alms in secret, than Moses our master.'' They tell us (s), that "R. Jannai seeing a certain man give Zuz (a piece of money) to a poor man publicly, said unto him, it would have been better, if thou hadst not have given him anything, than to have given him in this manner.'' This was the practice of the ancient religious Jews, to give their alms privately; but the Scribes and Pharisees had brought that practice into disuse, and which our Lord labours to restore; adding, for encouragement, and thy Father, which seeth in secret; beholds all secret actions, and knows the secret springs of actions, himself shall reward thee openly; in the great day of account, before angels and men, when all secret things shall be brought to light, and every good man have praise of God. This duty, of giving alms to the poor, is mentioned by Christ before prayer to God; it may be for this reason, because it was usual to give alms before prayer. "The great, or famous men, among the wise men, used to give a Prutah (a small piece of money) to a poor man before every prayer, and after that they prayed; as it is said, "I shall behold thy face in righteousness" (t).'' (q) Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 6. Mainnon. Hilch. Eracin, c. 2. sect. 12. (r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 9. 2. (s) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 5. 1. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Mattanot Anayin, c. 10. sect. 15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4 your Father . . . will reward you: Both now and at the final judgment at the end of history (25:31-46).
Matthew 6:4
Giving to the Needy
3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Necessity of Secret Prayer
By David Wilkerson6.9K57:06Secret PrayerGEN 21:33MAT 6:4MAT 6:7In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of how God spoke to him about the amount of time he spent watching television. He felt convicted to give up watching TV and instead spend that time in prayer. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God with all our hearts and how it can lead to doors opening and our world expanding. The speaker also highlights the examples of biblical figures like Daniel and the importance they placed on prayer, even in their busy lives. He challenges listeners to prioritize prayer and not make excuses for not having enough time.
(Christian Leadership) Secure in the Love of God
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:02:35MAT 6:4JHN 7:4ROM 3:23GAL 5:22EPH 4:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between the law and grace in the gospel. He uses a poem to illustrate that while the law commands us to run, it does not provide us with the means to do so. On the other hand, the gospel bids us to fly and gives us wings to do so. The preacher highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in lifting us higher and enabling us to fulfill God's plan for our lives. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and finding our security in that relationship. The sermon encourages young people to understand that God has a plan for their lives and that His plan is always better than any plan they could make for themselves. The preacher concludes by stating that knowing God as Father is the foundation for progress in the Christian life, victory, and building the body of Christ.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Greater Than All
By Basilea Schlink62004:30Radio ShowPSA 56:8MAT 6:4JHN 10:29ACT 3:19ROM 8:182CO 1:31PE 5:7In this sermon, Basil E. Schlink emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father. He highlights that God's love and help are greater than any human love or assistance. Schlink encourages listeners to trust in God's limitless love and to seek comfort in Him during difficult times. He also reminds them that God notices even the smallest acts of love and sacrifice, and will reward them openly in the future. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power and goodness of God as a true Father.
Jesus Training the 12 - Bill Mcleod
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons29136:23RadioISA 45:18MAT 5:10MAT 5:39MAT 5:41MAT 6:4MAT 7:6MAT 7:24MAT 10:14MAT 10:22MAT 10:32MAT 10:38MAT 16:24MAT 20:26MAT 23:13MRK 1:4MRK 1:15JHN 8:12In this sermon, Phil McLeod discusses the training of the Twelve disciples by Jesus. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the Earth as the theater of the universe and the place where Jesus came to be the light of the world. Jesus taught the disciples important principles such as fasting and giving in secret, building on a solid foundation, and preaching repentance. The disciples also witnessed Jesus performing miracles, reading people's minds, and raising the dead. Additionally, Jesus publicly condemned false teachings, a practice that is unpopular among preachers today.
Receiving the Father's Reward Financially (Mt. 6:4)
By Mike Bickle231:13:14Financial StewardshipGenerosityMAL 3:10MAT 6:4LUK 6:38Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding financial rewards from God, as outlined in Matthew 6:4. He explains that giving is not merely a transaction but a relational interaction with God, where our generosity reflects our love for Him and invites His blessings into our lives. Bickle shares personal testimonies of how God has responded to his faithfulness in giving, illustrating the concept of 'power encounters' where God meets our needs in miraculous ways. He warns against the dangers of covetousness and encourages believers to embrace a biblical view of prosperity that focuses on generosity and kingdom purposes. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a heart posture that seeks to love God through our financial decisions.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Placed for a Purpose
By Charles E. Cowman0MAT 6:4MRK 2:11CO 12:18COL 3:231PE 5:6Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of embracing one's hidden and secluded place in God's ranks, drawing parallels to the unseen work of polyps in building coral reefs. He emphasizes the significance of being willing to serve as 'spiritual polyps,' working in obscurity but sustained by the Holy Spirit, for God's greater purpose. Cowman encourages believers to trust that Jesus will reward their faithful service, even if it goes unnoticed by others, and to remain steadfast in their assigned roles, knowing that God's way is always best.
2 Corinthians 9:10
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 103:4MAT 5:45MAT 6:4ACT 10:42CO 9:11PHP 4:17John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of almsgiving and the spiritual and temporal rewards that come from it. He emphasizes the need to exhibit a virtuous life worthy of God's grace, highlighting the significance of generosity and the impact it has on glorifying God, warming love, and working loftiness of soul in individuals. Chrysostom encourages the congregation to avoid excess and focus on nourishment rather than indulgence, pointing out that almsgiving leads to many good works and blessings from God. He concludes by exalting the unspeakable gift of God and the transformative power of sacrificial giving, urging believers to see the altar in every poor believer and to offer their lives as a living sacrifice.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly--The word "Himself" appears to be an unauthorized addition to the text, which the sense no doubt suggested. (See Ti1 5:25; Rom 2:16; Co1 4:5). Prayer (Mat 6:5-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That thine alms may be in secret,.... May be done in secret, and be kept a secret. The allusion seems to be to the secret chamber, where money was brought privately for the relief of the poor. "There were two chambers in the sanctuary, the one was , "the chamber of secrets", and the other the chamber of vessels: the chamber of secrets was that into which pious persons put "in secret", and the poor children of good men were maintained out of it privately (q).'' The Jews say many things in favour of doing alms privately. "Greater, (say they (r),) is he that gives alms in secret, than Moses our master.'' They tell us (s), that "R. Jannai seeing a certain man give Zuz (a piece of money) to a poor man publicly, said unto him, it would have been better, if thou hadst not have given him anything, than to have given him in this manner.'' This was the practice of the ancient religious Jews, to give their alms privately; but the Scribes and Pharisees had brought that practice into disuse, and which our Lord labours to restore; adding, for encouragement, and thy Father, which seeth in secret; beholds all secret actions, and knows the secret springs of actions, himself shall reward thee openly; in the great day of account, before angels and men, when all secret things shall be brought to light, and every good man have praise of God. This duty, of giving alms to the poor, is mentioned by Christ before prayer to God; it may be for this reason, because it was usual to give alms before prayer. "The great, or famous men, among the wise men, used to give a Prutah (a small piece of money) to a poor man before every prayer, and after that they prayed; as it is said, "I shall behold thy face in righteousness" (t).'' (q) Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 6. Mainnon. Hilch. Eracin, c. 2. sect. 12. (r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 9. 2. (s) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 5. 1. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Mattanot Anayin, c. 10. sect. 15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4 your Father . . . will reward you: Both now and at the final judgment at the end of history (25:31-46).