Matthew 6:16

Moreover. Verses 16-18 record the third in the series of religious duties here considered (see on v. 1).

Fast. For fasting among the Jews see on Mark 2:18, 20. The reference is to voluntary, private fasting. To afflict the body for the sin of the soul is actually to dodge the issue and to miss the true nature of repentance, for sin is a disease of the soul rather than of the body (MB 87).

The hypocrites. See on v. 2.

Sad countenance. Jesus does not necessarily forbid a downcast look if it is genuine; He refers rather to the feigned appearance of the “hypocrites.”

Disfigure. Gr. aphanizo, “to make unseen,” or “to make unrecognizable.” Jesus here refers to the concealment, or hiding, of one’s true feelings by a simulated gloomy appearance — as an actor hides his own face under a mask — in a pretense of superior piety. When fasting, the “hypocrites” made a practice of going about unwashed, unshaven, and with unkempt hair and beard.

In the Greek there is an interesting play on words, “disfigure” and “appear” both being from phaind. Though it is not possible to reproduce in English the full force of this play on words, the following free translation approximates the substance of Jesus’ statement: “they make their [true] faces [their real feelings] disappear in order that they [themselves] may appear,” etc.

Appear unto men. They sought to secure the attention of their fellow men, and with it a reputation for superior piety.

Verily. See on ch. 5:18.

Their reward. See on vs. 1,2.