Paragraph 6:2–4
In the Greek text of this passage, the pronouns for “you” and “your” are all singular (except for 6:2e, which is plural). But the teaching applies to all of Jesus’ followers. So in some languages, it is more natural to use the plural form of “you” here.
6:2a
So: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So indicates that the following verses (in 6:2–18) are the applications of the command in 6:1. These verses contain three examples of how to apply the command not to do good works before people.
1Do not do your good deeds before men if you want a reward from God. 2Thus,
(a) do not give to the needy sounding a trumpet (6:2–4)
(b) do not pray where people can see you (6:5–15)
(c) do not fast in a way that shows people you are fasting (6:16–18)
Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:
Therefore (King James Version)
-or-
Thus (English Standard Version)
-or-
For example
-or-
As a result
Some English versions do not translate this conjunction.
when you give to the needy: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as when you give to the needy is more literally “when you do/give alms” (as in the Revised Standard Version). It means “when you give money or aid to poor people.”
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
when you give something to a needy person (Good News Translation)
-or-
whenever you help a person in need
-or-
any time you give money/aid to poor people
when: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as when means “whenever” or “each time.” Jesus assumed that his followers would give to the needy.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
whenever (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Every/each time
-or-
At any time
6:2b
do not sound a trumpet before you: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do not sound a trumpet before you also means “do not blow a trumpet before you” (as in the NET Bible).
This clause is a metaphor. In this metaphor, doing good deeds in a way that causes people to notice you is compared to blowing a trumpet. Some ways that they are similar are that both of these things:
(a) attract people’s attention
(b) make people look at you
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
• Keep the metaphor. For example:
do not blow a trumpet before you (NET Bible)
• Replace the metaphor with a simile and make explicit the way they are similar. For example:
Do not call attention to yourself like someone blowing a trumpet
-or-
Do not cause people to watch your giving like a person blowing a horn before he gives.
• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
do not make a lot of noise to draw attention to what you are doing
-or-
do not do it in a way that everyone will look/notice
trumpet: A trumpet is a musical instrument that makes a loud noise when someone blows into it. In the time of Matthew, some trumpets were made from the horns of rams. Other trumpets were made from metal tubes.
If you decide to translate the metaphor of blowing trumpets, here are some other ways to translate trumpet:
horn
-or-
instrument
6:2c
as the hypocrites do: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hypocrites literally refers to actors (in the theater). Figuratively it refers to people who pretend to be something they are not. They say that they believe one thing, but they do something different. Or they appear religious or spiritual on the outside, but they do not have true hearts that desire to please God.
In this context, Jesus was referring to people who gave money or other help to poor people. But they did it in the presence of other people so that these other people would think highly of them and honor them. They did not do it out of love for the needy person.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
those who pretend to be good/pious
-or-
those who just act like they are obedient to God
-or-
those who pretend to be devout people
Some languages have an idiom for this word. For example:
two-tongued
-or-
double-hearted
in the synagogues and on the streets: The phrase in the synagogues and the phrase on the streets both indicate very public places. Many beggars gathered in these areas, because many people would be there. In these areas, people could easily see someone giving money to a poor person.
Here are some other ways to translate these phrases:
in the meeting places and on the street corners (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
in public places where many people are there and can see them
synagogues: The word synagogues refers to buildings where Jews gathered to pray, read Scripture, teach their beliefs, and worship God. The Jews also gathered in synagogues for cultural activities. There was only one temple, but each Jewish community had a synagogue.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
prayer-houses of the Jews
-or-
meeting-places of the Jews
-or-
buildings for worship
-or-
houses for gathering together
The word “synagogue” first occurs in 4:23b. Translate it here as you did there. See also synagogue in the Glossary for more information.
6:2d
to be honored by men: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to be honored can also mean “to be praised” or “to be admired.”
This verb is passive.
Here are some ways to translate this verb:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
in order to be praised by people (God’s Word)
• Use an active verb. For example:
so that people will praise them
men: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as men means “people.” It is identical to the word “men” in 6:1a.
6:2e
Truly I tell you: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Truly I tell you introduces a statement that the speaker wants to emphasize. Also, the statement is often surprising. When Jesus began a statement with these words, he was asking people to listen with extra attention.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
I assure you
-or-
Certainly/Truly,
-or-
Listen to this:
-or-
Let me tell you this:
If you have a way in your language to emphasize a statement or to alert people to listen with special attention, consider using it here.
This clause first occurred in 5:18a. Translate it here as you did there.
you: The Greek word for you here is plural.
they already have their full reward: This clause indicates that the praise that the hypocrites received from people is the only reward they will get. That honor is their complete reward. God will not give them any additional rewards.
God rewards people who do good deeds for the right reasons. But these hypocrites did good deeds for the wrong reasons. So God will not reward them.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
they have received all the reward they will ever get (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
That will be their only reward (God’s Word)
-or-
they will not receive any other reward/wages
-or-
that ⌊praise/honor from people⌋ will be their only reward ⌊because God will not reward/honor them any further⌋
their full reward: The noun reward is the same word that occurs in 6:1c.
In some languages, it is more natural to use a verb or clause to express this idea. For example:
people have rewarded them by honoring them, but God will not reward them
-or-
people have already praised them, so God will give them nothing more
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