Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Matthew - Chapter 6 - Verse 4

6:4
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Matthew emphasizes the importance of giving alms, or charitable donations, in secret. It teaches us that when we give selflessly without seeking recognition or praise from others, we are pleasing our Heavenly Father. By keeping our acts of kindness private, we are demonstrating true humility and sincerity in our intentions. The verse also reminds us that God sees all our actions, including those done in secret, and will reward us openly for our faithfulness. This serves as a powerful reminder to focus on doing good deeds for the right reasons, rather than for personal gain or recognition. Ultimately, the verse encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion that is fueled by a genuine desire to help others, rather than seeking approval or admiration from those around us.

Theological Overview

One key theological interpretation of the verse "That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" is the importance of humility in our acts of giving. The term "alms" refers to charitable giving, and this verse emphasizes the need for believers to give without seeking recognition or praise from others. By doing so in secret, believers demonstrate that their motives are pure and selfless, seeking only to please God rather than gain admiration from those around them. This verse also highlights the idea of God's omniscience, as it describes Him as seeing what is done in secret and promising to reward openly. This serves as a reminder that our actions are always under God's watchful eye, and He will ultimately be the one to reward us for our faithfulness and obedience.

American Standard Version

that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
Previous VerseNext Verse