Matthew 6:2

Sound a trumpet. Whether the illustration of almsgivers having a trumpet sounded to herald their gifts is to be understood literally or as a graphic figure of speech similar to our colloquial, “Don’t blow your own horn,” is not certain. There is no actual instance in Jewish writings of this practice, though it is attested in other ancient lands of the Orient. The expression “as the hypocrites do” may at first glance seem to suggest that Christ was stating a literal fact; however, the “hypocrites” may also have been blowing only metaphorical trumpets. Be this as it may, Christ is rebuking the evil of giving great publicity to deeds of charity.

Hypocrites. Gr. hupokritai, from a verb meaning “to pretend,” “to feign.” The Jews provided for the poor by an assessment upon the members of the community based upon ability to pay. The funds thus acquired were augmented by voluntary gifts. In addition, appeals for contributions were from time to time made at public religious gatherings in the synagogues, or at open-air meetings generally conducted in the streets. On these occasions men were tempted to pledge large sums in order to win the praise of those assembled. There was also a practice of permitting the one who contributed an unusually large gift to sit in a place of honor by the side of the rabbis. Love of praise was thus all too frequently the motive in these gifts. It was also the case that many pledged large sums but later failed to make good their promises. Jesus’ reference to hypocrisy doubtless included this form of pretense.

The streets. See on v. 5.

Have glory of men. Or, “be praised by men” (RSV).

Verily. See on ch. 5:18.

Have their reward. The Greek brings out the idea that they received payment of their wages in full. The word here translated “have” occurs frequently on receipts in ancient Greek papyri with the meaning, “paid in full” or “received payment of.” The hypocrites, Jesus says, have received all the payment they will ever get. They practiced charity strictly as a business transaction by means of which they hoped to purchase public admiration; the relief of distress was no concern of theirs. The reward they desired is the one they will receive, but that is all.