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But when you do merciful deeds, don`t let your left hand know what your right hand does,

Verse Takeaways

1

A Call for Radical Secrecy

Commentators universally agree that Jesus' phrase, "let not your left hand know what your right hand does," is a powerful hyperbole. It's not meant literally but emphasizes the need for extreme secrecy in giving. The goal, as scholars like Spurgeon and Gill note, is to give so privately that you yourself barely dwell on the act, thus protecting your charity from any taint of pride or desire for recognition.

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Commentaries

10

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Matthew 6:3–4

18th Century

Theologian

Let not your left hand know, etc. This is a proverbial expression, signifying that the action should be done as secretly as possible. The …

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Matthew 6:3–4

19th Century

Preacher

Seek secrecy for your good deeds. Do not even see your own virtue. Hide from yourself what you yourself have done that is commendable, for the prou…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Matthew 6:3

The way to avoid hypocrisy is not to cease giving but to do so with such secrecy that we scarcely know what we have given. Jesus’ disciples must th…

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John Calvin

John Calvin

On Matthew 6:3

16th Century

Theologian

Let not your left hand know. By this expression He means that we ought to be satisfied with having God as our only witness, and to be so e…

John Gill

John Gill

On Matthew 6:3

17th Century

Pastor

But when you do alms Do it so privately, and with so much secrecy, that, if it was possible, you might not know it yourse…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Matthew 6:1–4

17th Century

Minister

Our Lord next warned against hypocrisy and outward show in religious duties. What we do must be done from an inward principle, so that we may be ap…

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Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

On Matthew 6:1–4

13th Century

Philosopher

Take heed that you do not your justice before men. Above, the Lord fulfilled the Law regarding the precepts; now He begin…