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that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
Verse Takeaways
1
God Sees the Heart
Commentators universally agree that the core principle of fasting is its motivation. The goal is to perform the act for God alone, who sees what is done in secret. Seeking human praise for religious acts is what Jesus condemns, as it dilutes and invalidates the spiritual purpose. The true fast is directed 'unto thy Father,' not for the applause of people.
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Matthew
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8
In secret (εν τω κρυφαιω). Here as in 6:4,6 the Textus Receptus adds εν τω φανερω (openly), but it is not genuine. The word κρυφαι…
19th Century
Baptist
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secre…
Yet Jesus, far from banning fasting, assumes his disciples will fast as well as give alms and pray (vv.3, 6). What he condemns is ostentation in fa…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
That you appear not unto men to fast Which is just the reverse of the hypocrites, the Scribes and Pharisees; and qui…
Presbyterian
Religious fasting is a duty required of the disciples of Christ, but it is not so much a duty itself, as a means to dispose us for other duties. Fa…
13th Century
Catholic
And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. After specifying the manner of praying and giving alms, He now specifie…
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