A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 6

Take heed (προσεχετε). The Greek idiom includes "mind" (νουν) which is often expressed in ancient Greek and once in the Septuagint (Job 7:17). In the New Testament the substantive νους is understood. It means to "hold the mind on a matter," take pains, take heed. "Righteousness" (δικαιοσυνην) is the correct text in this verse. Three specimens of the Pharisaic "righteousness" are given (alms, prayer, fasting).

To be seen (θεαθηνα). First aorist passive infinitive of purpose. Our word theatrical is this very word, spectacular performance.

With your Father (παρα τω πατρ υμων). Literally "beside your Father," standing by his side, as he looks at it.

Sound not a trumpet (μη σαλπισηις). Is this literal or metaphorical? No actual instance of such conduct has been found in the Jewish writings. McNeile suggests that it may refer to the blowing of trumpets in the streets on the occasion of public fasts. Vincent suggests the thirteen trumpet-shaped chests of the temple treasury to receive contributions (Luke 21:2). But at Winona Lake one summer a missionary from India named Levering stated to me that he had seen Hindu priests do precisely this very thing to get a crowd to see their beneficences. So it looks as if the rabbis could do it also. Certainly it was in keeping with their love of praise. And Jesus expressly says that "the hypocrites" (ο υποκριτα) do this very thing. This is an old word for actor, interpreter, one who personates another, from υποκρινομα to answer in reply like the Attic αποκρινομα. Then to pretend, to feign, to dissemble, to act the hypocrite, to wear a mask. This is the hardest word that Jesus has for any class of people and he employs it for these pious pretenders who pose as perfect.

They have received their reward (απεχουσιν τον μισθον αυτων). This verb is common in the papyri for receiving a receipt, "they have their receipt in full," all the reward that they will get, this public notoriety. "They can sign the receipt of their reward" (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 229). So Light from the Ancient East, pp. 110f. Αποχη means "receipt." So also in 6:5.

In secret (τω κρυπτω). The Textus Receptus added the words εν τω φανερω (openly) here and in 6:6, but they are not genuine. Jesus does not promise a public reward for private piety.

In the synagogues and in the corners of the streets (εν ταις συναγωγαις κα εν ταις γωνιαις των πλατειων). These were the usual places of prayer (synagogues) and the street corners where crowds stopped for business or talk. If the hour of prayer overtook a Pharisee here, he would strike his attitude of prayer like a modern Moslem that men might see that he was pious.

Into thy closet (εις το ταμειον). The word is a late syncopated form of ταμιειον from ταμιας (steward) and the root ταμ- from τεμνω, to cut. So it is a store-house, a separate apartment, one's private chamber, closet, or "den" where he can withdraw from the world and shut the world out and commune with God.