New Testament
Matthew 6:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners to be seen by others. Truly, I tell you, they have their reward.
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And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
What Matthew 6:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the importance of sincerity in prayer. He warns against being like hypocrites who pray publicly to gain attention and admiration from others. Instead of seeking genuine connection with God, they focus on their image and how they are perceived. Jesus emphasizes that their desire for recognition is their only reward. True prayer should be a private and heartfelt communication with God, not a performance for others. This teaching encourages believers to examine their motives when they pray, ensuring that their focus is on God rather than on impressing people. The essence of prayer is about building a relationship with God, not about seeking approval from others.
How to apply Matthew 6:5 to your life
When you pray, focus on your relationship with God rather than how others perceive you. Find a quiet place to pray where you can be sincere and honest. This will help you connect more deeply with God and avoid the trap of seeking approval from others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:5 mean?
Matthew 6:5 teaches that prayer should be sincere and not performed for the sake of being seen by others. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing that true prayer is a private communication with God rather than a public display.
What is the meaning of hypocrisy in Matthew 6:5?
In Matthew 6:5, hypocrisy refers to the act of pretending to be devout while seeking attention and approval from others. Jesus criticizes those who pray publicly for recognition instead of genuinely connecting with God.
How can I apply Matthew 6:5 in my prayer life?
To apply Matthew 6:5, find a quiet place to pray where you can be honest and sincere. Focus on your relationship with God rather than worrying about how others perceive your prayers.
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