Matthew 6:18

so that they may not be seen by people to be fasting, but by their Father who dwells in secret; and their Father, who sees what is secret, will reward them.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

17But, when one of you fasts, they should anoint their head and wash their face,

19“Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Read all of Matthew 6

Cross References

Matthew 6:6But, when one of you prays, they should go into their own room, shut the door, and pray to their Father who dwells in secret; and their Father, who sees what is secret, will reward them.

2 Corinthians 5:9Therefore, whether in our home or absent from our home, our one ambition is to please him.

Colossians 3:22Slaves, always obey your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you, as if you had but to please people alone, but giving them ungrudging service, in your respect for the Master.

1 Peter 2:13Submit to all human institutions for the Lord’s sake, alike to the emperor as the supreme authority,

Matthew Henry on Matthew 6:17-19

The Sermon on the Mount. 16 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. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 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. We are here cautioned against hypocrisy in fasting, as before in almsgiving, and in… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Matthew 6:18