Matthew 6:2

So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples and the crowds in the Sermon on the Mount, moving from the general warning of 6:1 into the specific case of almsgiving.

The words — σαλπίζω (salpizō) is "to sound a trumpet," a military and sacral signal word applied here to self-promotion. ἐλεημοσύνῃ (eleēmosynē) is a Greek rendering of Hebrew חֶסֶד, carrying covenant-loyalty rather than mere "charity."

The thread — The same structure (do not perform X for human display) recurs in 6:5 (prayer) and 6:16 (fasting). The "full reward" phrase frames the passage's contrast between human and heavenly reward (6:1, 4, 6, 18).

Why it lands — The act of giving is unchanged; what shifts is the self that performs it for applause, and that self receives only applause. The verse asks the reader to check whether the giving is an expression of loyalty or a performance of self.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
John 5:41 I do not accept glory from men,
James 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
Luke 20:46 “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.
1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
John 7:18 He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.