Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 6:16

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward." — Matthew 6:16 (ASV)

For fasting in the Bible, see comment on Mk 2:18 and ZPEB 2:501–4. In Jesus’ day the Pharisees fasted twice a week . Some devout people, like Anna, fasted often . But such voluntary fasts provided marvelous opportunities for outward religious showmanship to gain a reputation for piety. The point is not that there was no genuine contrition but that these hypocrites were purposely drawing attention to themselves. They wanted the plaudits of other people and got them. And that’s all they got.