What is the context?
Jesus now addresses the purpose behind acts of righteousness. Chapter 6 begins with giving to the needy, then turns to prayer and fasting. The opening warning concerns doing good in order to be noticed. The action may help someone, yet the giver's aim can still be to win admiration.
The trumpet image makes that desire for attention vivid. Jesus describes people using their giving to gain honor in public, then says they have already received their reward. The praise they sought is the return they have obtained. His contrast is with the Father, who sees what other people do not.
The word for hypocrites is ὑποκριτής, hypokritēs (hoo-poh-kree-TAYS). Thayer's Greek Lexicon lists the earlier use for an actor and explains its biblical use as someone pretending to be what he is not. Here the appearance of generosity conceals a desire for personal honor.
The picture of one hand not knowing what the other is doing presses the opposite response: give quietly, without turning the gift into a display. This fits with Matthew 5:16, where visible good deeds lead people to glorify the Father. In both passages the question is where the attention is meant to go. Jesus calls the giver to trust the Father's knowledge and reward instead of making public recognition the goal.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this passage as a call to sincere generosity, with God's approval taking the place of public admiration. Wesley on Matthew 6:1–3 distinguishes being seen from acting in order to be admired, and understands the hands as a picture of giving as privately as effective help allows. The Catholic Catechism, 1753, likewise uses giving for personal vanity as an example of how a wrong intention can corrupt an outwardly good act.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Christian generosity is connected with the grace first received from Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:1–9 describes God's grace producing generous giving even among people in poverty. Paul then points to Jesus, who became poor for their sake so that they could become rich through Him. His self-giving is the foundation for their care for others.
The result of giving is also meant to extend beyond the donor. 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 describes needs being met, thanksgiving rising to God, and relationships strengthened through prayer and affection. God's grace creates a generous people whose service directs gratitude toward Him.
Quiet service is not lost to God. Hebrews 6:10–12 assures believers that He remembers the work and love shown in serving His people. 1 Corinthians 4:5 looks forward to the Lord bringing hidden motives to light. The Father Jesus describes here sees both the gift and the heart behind it.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.