New Testament
Matthew 6:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and secrecy in charitable giving.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Instead, when you give to the needy, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and secrecy in charitable giving. He emphasizes that when we help those in need, we should do so without seeking recognition or praise. The metaphor of not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing illustrates the idea that our acts of kindness should be done quietly and without fanfare. This approach not only protects the dignity of those we help but also ensures that our motives remain pure. By giving in secret, we focus on the act of giving itself rather than the attention it might bring. This principle encourages believers to cultivate a genuine heart for service, prioritizing the needs of others over their own desire for acknowledgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 6:3 to your life
To apply this teaching, consider ways to help others without drawing attention to yourself. Volunteer anonymously, donate to causes quietly, or assist someone in need without expecting recognition. This practice fosters a spirit of generosity and keeps the focus on the act of giving rather than personal glory.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:3 mean?
Matthew 6:3 teaches that when giving to those in need, one should do so discreetly and without seeking recognition. This emphasizes humility and the importance of giving for the right reasons, rather than for personal glory.
What is the meaning of 'let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth' in Matthew 6:3?
This phrase suggests that charitable acts should be done in secret, highlighting the idea that true generosity does not require acknowledgment or praise from others.
How can I apply Matthew 6:3 in my life?
To apply this verse, look for opportunities to help others without drawing attention to yourself. This could include anonymous donations or volunteering without revealing your identity.
What themes are present in Matthew 6:3?
Key themes in Matthew 6:3 include humility, charity, secrecy, selflessness, and maintaining pure motives in acts of kindness.
The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.