Matthew 6:4
New International Version
so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

New Living Translation
Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

English Standard Version
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Berean Standard Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Berean Literal Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you.

King James Bible
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

New King James Version
that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

New American Standard Bible
so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

NASB 1995
so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

NASB 1977
that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Legacy Standard Bible
so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Amplified Bible
so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

Christian Standard Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

American Standard Version
that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Contemporary English Version
Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret and will reward you.

English Revised Version
that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Give your contributions privately. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.

Good News Translation
Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

International Standard Version
so that your giving may be done in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Majority Standard Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will Himself reward you openly.

NET Bible
so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

New Heart English Bible
so that your charitable giving may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Webster's Bible Translation
That thy alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself will reward thee openly.

Weymouth New Testament
that your charities may be in secret; and then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.

World English Bible
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that your kindness may be in secret, and your Father who is seeing in secret will reward you Himself.

Berean Literal Bible
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you.

Young's Literal Translation
that thy kindness may be in secret, and thy Father who is seeing in secret Himself shall reward thee manifestly.

Smith's Literal Translation
That thine alms might be in secret; and thy Father, who seeing in secret, shall give back to thee openly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that your almsgiving may be in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.

New American Bible
so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

New Revised Standard Version
so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that your alms may be done secretly, and your Father who sees in secret, shall himself reward you openly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
So that your charity may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you in public.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that your charitable deeds may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, himself will reward you openly.

Godbey New Testament
in order that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who sees in secret will reward thee openly.

Haweis New Testament
that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will himself reward thee openly.

Mace New Testament
that your alms may be secret: and your father who sees your secret actions, shall reward you.

Weymouth New Testament
that your charities may be in secret; and then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.

Worrell New Testament
that your alms may be in secret; and your Father, Who seeth in secret, will recompense you.

Worsley New Testament
that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will himself reward thee openly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Giving to the Needy
3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Acts 10:4
Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 11:25
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 Timothy 6:18-19
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.


Treasury of Scripture

That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.

seeth.

Matthew 6:6,18
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly…

Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Psalm 44:21
Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

reward.

Matthew 10:42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Matthew 25:34-40
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: …

1 Samuel 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

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Matthew 6
1. Giving to the Needy
5. The Lord's Prayer
16. Proper Fasting
19. Store up Treasures in Heaven
25. Do Not Worry
33. but seek God's kingdom.














so that your giving
The phrase "your giving" refers to acts of charity or almsgiving, which were common practices in Jewish culture. The Greek word used here is "ἐλεημοσύνη" (eleēmosynē), which implies acts of mercy or compassion. In the historical context, giving was not just a financial transaction but a spiritual act of kindness and love towards others, reflecting God's own generosity.

may be in secret
The emphasis on "in secret" underscores the importance of humility and sincerity in charitable acts. The Greek word "κρυπτός" (kryptos) means hidden or concealed. This reflects a heart posture that seeks to honor God rather than gain human approval. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, public displays of piety were common, and Jesus challenges this by advocating for a private, genuine relationship with God.

And your Father
The term "your Father" is deeply personal and relational, highlighting the intimate relationship believers have with God. The Greek word "πατήρ" (patēr) signifies not just a paternal figure but one who is caring and involved in the lives of His children. This reflects the covenant relationship God has with His people, as seen throughout Scripture.

who sees what is done in secret
This phrase emphasizes God's omniscience. The Greek word "βλέπω" (blepō) means to see or perceive, indicating that nothing is hidden from God. This assurance that God sees even the hidden acts of righteousness provides comfort and motivation for believers to act with integrity, knowing that their efforts are recognized by God, even if unseen by others.

will reward you
The promise that God "will reward you" speaks to the divine justice and faithfulness of God. The Greek word "ἀποδίδωμι" (apodidōmi) means to give back or repay. This suggests that God, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will honor those who serve Him faithfully. The reward is not necessarily material but can be spiritual blessings, peace, and eternal rewards in heaven, aligning with the broader biblical teaching on treasures in heaven.

(4) That thine alms may be in secret.--Here again we have a principle rather than a rule. Publicity may be a duty, especially in public work. But this--gifts for schools, hospitals, and the like--is hardly contemplated in the word "alms," which refers rather to acts of mercy, to cases of individual suffering. Ostentation in those acts is what our Lord especially condemns.

Thy Father which seeth in secret.--The attribute which we call the Omniscience of God is commonly dwelt on as calculated to inspire a just fear of the All-seeing One. He sees, we say, the evil deeds that are done in secret. Here it is brought before us as an encouragement and ground of hope. Do we feel isolated, not understood, not appreciated? He sees in secret and will reward.

Shall reward thee openly.--A curious instance of an early attempt to improve on our Lord's teaching. The adverb "openly" is not found in the best MSS., and is now omitted by most editors. It would seem either as if a false rhetorical taste desired a more complete antithesis, or that the craving for public acknowledgment in the presence of men and angels asserted itself even here, and led men to add to the words of the divine Teacher. It need hardly be said that the addition weakens and lowers the force of the truth asserted. It is not necessarily in this way, "openly," that God rewards His servants, nor do the words point only to the reward of the last great day. The reward is at once immediate, and, it may be, secret--the hidden manna, the joy with which a stranger doth not intermeddle, and which no man taketh from us.

Verse 4. - And thy Father which seeth in secret (comp. ver. 6, note). Himself. Revised 'Version omits, with the manuscripts. Shall reward thee; Revised Version, shall recompense thee (ἀποδώσει σοι). Shall give to thee in full measure corresponding to the contents of that which is really due (cf. Isaiah 65:6, 7, LXX.). When this" recompense" shall be given is not stated. If, as is probable, our Lord is thinking of the" reward" of ver. 1 and Matthew 5:12, it would naturally be given at the judgment-day. Openly. Revised Version omits, with the manuscripts; similarly vers. 6,18. The interpolation was probably made not only because of the contrast suggested by "in secret," but also to indicate more precisely the time when God would do this.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
so that
ὅπως (hopōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

giving
ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1654: Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.

may be
(ē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

secret.
κρυπτῷ (kryptō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2927: From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father,
Πατήρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

who sees
βλέπων (blepōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

what is done
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in secret,
κρυπτῷ (kryptō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2927: From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.

will reward
ἀποδώσει (apodōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.

you.
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 6:4 So that your merciful deeds may be (Matt. Mat Mt)
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