Sermon on Mount, law and fulfillment, visible and hidden, debts and repayment, virtue and virtue signaling,
Matthew 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
That is not the way you want to shine to those people: fasting! Instead, to that Father of yours, the one in the hidden, and that Father of yours, the one seeing in the hidden, will give back to you.
Divine compensation for sacrifice only comes with the social compensation is part of the sacrifice.
ὅπως μὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων
That is the way not want you to shine to those people: fasting!
ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ:
Instead, to that Father of yours, the one in the hidden,
καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ ἀποδώσει σοι.
and that Father of yours the one seeing in the hidden, will give back to you.
This is the third repetition of this idea that virtue must be a private practice. The first two were concerned charity, Matthew 6:4, and prayer, Matthew 6:6. These verses are all addressed to individuals, not the crowd. Both this verse and Matthew 6:6, the verse on prayer, refer to the desire to "shine," translated as "appear/be obvious" before men. Both of these verses also describe the Father as "the one in the hidden" as well as "seeing in the hidden."
The Father's seeing is not "into" the hidden from the outside but seeing "within" the hidden." We can tell this because of the form of the "hidden" or "secret," which is the dative form, which indicates a position within rather than the accusative that indicates coming in from the outside. The implication that there are no secrets from God because God is inside all secrets. The Greek word for "truth" means "not hidden."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "men" is not shown in the English translation.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "to fast" is not an infinitive verb but a participle, "fasting."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "father" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The word translated as "which" is more like "the one" than "which" or "who."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The word translated as "and" is more like "as" when comparisons between similar things are made like the two types of secret.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "Father" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "which" should be "the one."
- WF - Wrong Form - The "see" is not an active verb but a participle, "seeing."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "secret" is not shown in the English translation.
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "himself" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the one we used today.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "it" should be "you."
- WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "will" indicates the future tense, but the verb is the present tense.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "men" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "others" should be "people."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "that you are " doesn't exist in the source.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "only" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "Father" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "who" should be "the one."
- WF - Wrong Form - The "sees" is not an active verb but a participle, "seeing."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "what is done" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "secret" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "reward" should be "give back."
That -- The word translated as "That" is one of those Greek words that introduce a new phrase that offers an explanation. In English, we would say "because".
thou -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
appear - The Greek word translated as "appear" primarily means "to shine" and "to give light." It has the same sense as we used "to stand out" in English. The root word is also the source for the word "prophet".
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do something, not that it isn't done. If it wasn't done, the objective negative of fact would be used. More about the Greek negative in this article.
unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
men -- The Greek word for "men" in the plural means "men." "people" and "humanity" in general.
to -- (WF) This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English.
fast, -- The Greek verb translated as "to fast" in the form of an adjective, "fasting", that modifies the subject, "you". This continues the idea that we saw in the previous verse, Matthew 6:17, without the explicit use of the singular pronoun "you." This statement was addressed to an individual.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" denote an exception or simple opposition meaning "but." However, "rather" or "instead" work well when it begins a new sentence. It is not the most common Greek word usually translated as "but".
unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.
thy -- The word translated as "thy" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Father -- "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers". It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
which -- (CW) The word translated as "which" is from the Greek article, "the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." It could also be a demonstrative pronoun, that often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.
is -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "is" in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within", "with," or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
secret: - The word translated as "secret" means "hidden" and concealed." The form is used here works as a noun because it is introduced by an article so "the hiding". In English, the noun we have in English that meaning "hiding" would be "concealment" but this word doesn't work like and adjective.
and (CW) The word translated as "and" means "as" when it appears in a comparison. This works something like the "is" that was added to the KJV to equate "your Father" with "in secret" but it compares two statements about the Father, the one "who is concealed and the one seeing in the concealed."
thy -- The "thy" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. As we saw in the previous verse, Matthew 6:3, all the forms of "you" here are singular, addressed to a single person, not the crowd. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Father -- "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers". It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
which -- (WW) The word translated as "which" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
seeth -- (WF) The verb translated as "seeth" means "to see", "to look to", "to look like", "to beware", and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better.
in -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can means "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
secret -- The Greek word translated as "secret" means "secret" but its primary meaning is "hidden." Jesus uses this particular word because it is the other Greek word for hidden that is the opposite of the Greek word for "truth." However, it is used as a noun, not an adjective. It is introduced with an article, "in the secret".
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
reward -- (WW) The verb translated as "reward" means simply "to give back" or, in an economic sense, selling something you own, repaying a debt, discharging a duty, or restoring something taken. The idea is restoring a balance. It does not have the same root as the noun translated as "reward" in previous verses. This word is from the root "give"
thee -- The word for "thee" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun.
openly. -- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "openly" in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used.
so that -- The word translated as "That" is one of those Greek words that introduce a new phrase that offers an explanation. In English, we would say "because".
it -- (WW) This is from the form of the verb, but it is the second person, not the third person.
will -- (WT) The verb is the present tense, not the future tense.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do something, not that it isn't done. If it wasn't done, the objective negative of fact would be used. More about the Greek negative in this article.
be obvious - The Greek word translated as "be obvious" primarily means "to shine" and "to give light." It has the same sense as we used "to stand out" in English. The root word is also the source for the word "prophet".
to -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
others -- (WW) The Greek word for "others " in the plural means "men." "people" and "humanity" in general.
that you are -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "that you are " in the Greek source.
fasting -- The Greek verb translated as "fasting" in the form of an adjective, "fasting", that modifies the subject, "you". This continues the idea that we saw in the previous verse, Matthew 6:17, without the explicit use of the singular pronoun "you." This statement was addressed to an individual.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" denote an exception or simple opposition meaning "but." However, "rather" or "instead" work well when it begins a new sentence. It is not the most common Greek word usually translated as "but".
only -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "only" in the Greek source.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.
your -- The word translated as "your " is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Father -- "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers". It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
who -- (CW) The word translated as "which" is from the Greek article, "the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." It could also be a demonstrative pronoun, that often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.
is -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "is" in the Greek source.
missing "in"-- (MW) The untranslated word "in" means "in," "within", "with," or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
unseen: - (WW) The word translated as "unseen" means "hidden" and concealed." The form is used here works as a noun because it is introduced by an article so "the hiding". In English, the noun we have in English that meaning "hiding" would be "concealment" but this word doesn't work like and adjective.
and (CW) The word translated as "and" means "as" when it appears in a comparison. This works something like the "is" that was added to the KJV to equate "your Father" with "in secret" but it compares two statements about the Father, the one "who is concealed and the one seeing in the concealed."
your -- The "your " is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. As we saw in the previous verse, Matthew 6:3, all the forms of "you" here are singular, addressed to a single person, not the crowd. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Father -- "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers". It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
who -- (WW) The word translated as "which" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
sees -- (WF) The verb translated as "sees" means "to see", "to look to", "to look like", "to beware", and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better.
what is done -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "what is done" in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can means "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
secret -- The Greek word translated as "secret" means "secret" but its primary meaning is "hidden." Jesus uses this particular word because it is the other Greek word for hidden that is the opposite of the Greek word for "truth." However, it is used as a noun, not an adjective. It is introduced with an article, "in the secret".
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
reward -- (WW) The verb translated as "reward" means simply "to give back" or, in an economic sense, selling something you own, repaying a debt, discharging a duty, or restoring something taken. The idea is restoring a balance. It does not have the same root as the noun translated as "reward" in previous verses. This word is from the root "give"
you -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun.
ὅπως (conj) "That" is from hopos, which is a conjunction that means "in such a manner as", "in order that", "in the manner in which", "how," [with negative] "there is no way that," and [in questions] "in what way."
μὴ (partic) "Not" is from me, which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." As οὐ (ou) negates fact and statement; μή rejects, οὐ denies; μή is relative, οὐ absolute; μή subjective, οὐ objective. -
φανῇς (2nd sg pres ind act) "Thou appear" is from phaino , which means "to shine", "to give light," and "to appear." In its transitive form, not used here, it means "bring to light."
τοῖς (article pl masc dat ) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). --
ἀνθρώποις (noun pl masc dat ) "Unto men" is from anthropos, which is "man," and, in plural, "mankind." It also means "humanity" and that which is human and opposed to that which is animal or inanimate.
νηστεύων (part sg pres act masc nom) "To fast" is from nesteuo, which means "fast" and "to abstain from."
ἀλλὰ (adv) "But" is from alla, which means "otherwise", "but", "still", "at least", "except", "yet," nevertheless", "rather", "moreover," and "nay."
τῷ (article sg masc dat ) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). -
πατρί (noun sg masc dat ) "Father" is from pater, which means "father", "grandfather", "author", "parent," and "forefathers."
σου (pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is from sou which means "you" and "your."
τῷ (article sg masc dat ) "Which" is from hos, which means "this", "that", "he", "she", "which", "what", "who", "whosoever", "where", "for which reason," and many similar meanings.
ἐν (prep) "Is in" is from en, which means "in", "on", "at", "by", "among", "within", "surrounded by", "in one's hands", "in one's power," and "with".
τῷ (article pl masc dat ) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
κρυφαίῳ: (adj sg neut dat ) "Secret" is kryptos, which is an adjective meaning "hidden", "secret", "concealed", "in disguise [of people]", "secret service," and "deep-seated."
καὶ (conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "but." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."
ὁ (article sg masc nom) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
πατήρ (noun sg masc nom) "Father" is from pater, which means "father", "grandfather", "author", "parent," and "forefathers."
σου (pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is from sou which means "you" and "your."
ὁ (article sg masc nom) "Which" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
βλέπων (part sg pres act masc nom) "Seeth" is from of blepo, which means "to look", "to see", "to look to", "to look like", "to rely on", "to look longingly", "to propose", "to beware", "to behold," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding.
ἐν (prep) "In" is from en, which means "in", "on", "at", "by", "among", "within", "surrounded by", "in one's hands", "in one's power," and "with".
τῷ (article sg neut dat ) "Which" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
κρυφαίῳ (adj sg neut dat ) "Secret" is from kryptos, which is an adjective meaning "hidden", "secret", "concealed", "in disguise [of people]", "secret service, " and "deep-seated."
ἀποδώσει (3rd sg fut ind act) "Shall reward" is from apodidomi which means "to give back", "to restore," and "to deliver." It has the economic sense of "to sell" or "to give something for one's own profit." It begins with apo the preposition of separation and origin, the idea of "from" in English, didômi which means "to give", "to grant", "to hand over," and "to describe."
σοι. (pron 2nd sg dat) "Thou" is from soi which is the singular, second person pronoun, "you".
A play on two meanings of "in secret:" One who is within concealment seeing into concealment.
“Yes, Teacher,” the young man responded humbly, seemingly embarrassed by the attention as he wiped away the ash. He returned the rag to the Master.
The Master held the rag up to show the dark stain to the boy.
“This is not how you want to shine,” the Teacher told him, gesturing dirty rag, “to those people.”
Again he said, “those people,” in the voice of a youth.
The boy smiled, and we laughed.
The Master then display the dirt on the rag to the rest of us in the crowd.
“Fasting!” he declared, assumed his sorrowful face and his droopy pose.
The young man laughed.
“But displaying my guilt is the tradition, isn’t it?,” Messy Face asked sincerely. “Who should I show my sorrow if not to the crowd.”
“At least to that Father of yours,” the Teacher suggested, smiling warmly, putting his arm on the youth’s shoulder, and pointing toward the young man’s heart. “The one in the hidden.”
“You said that before, that the Divine is hidden,” the youth observed. “So visible things are temporary but hidden things last?”
The Master smiled and nodded.
“And that Father of yours, the one seeing into the hidden?” the Teacher continued, again pointing to the young man’s heart. “He is going to give back to you.”