Bible Strands
Matthew 6:3
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, instructing them on the proper manner for charitable giving. He immediately follows his warning against public displays of piety in Matthew 6:2 with this directive.
The words — The Greek term γνώτω (gnōtō) literally means "should know," paired with ἀριστερά (aristera) for "left." The text uses this pairing to command absolute concealment in the act of giving.
The thread — The theme of hidden action appears in John 7:4, where public display is contrasted with secret work, and in Matthew 9:30 and Mark 1:44, where Jesus commands witnesses to keep miracles undisclosed.
Why it lands — The text demands that charitable giving remain completely private, removing any possibility of human praise. It requires the giver to act solely for divine observation rather than social recognition.
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
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Cross-references
- John 7:4 For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.”
- Matthew 9:30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!”
- Mark 1:44 “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
- Matthew 12:19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets.
- Matthew 8:4 Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”