Matthew 6:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:”
King James Version (KJV)
This study note uses an AI-assisted editorial workflow with source, duplication, and quality checks. See how verse explanations are prepared.
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Matthew 6:3
Part of Jesus' teaching on practicing righteousness sincerely rather than for show. He addresses three acts of devotion (giving, prayer, and fasting) and here warns against giving for public applause.
What Does Matthew 6:3 Mean?
Jesus uses a vivid image to teach humble giving: when you help the needy, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. The picture is of generosity so quiet and unselfconscious that one almost hides it even from oneself. The point is to give without seeking recognition or applause.
This instruction stands in deliberate contrast to the hypocrites described just before, who sound a trumpet to announce their charity so that others will admire them. Jesus exposes the danger of doing good deeds for the sake of being seen. When giving becomes a performance, the reward shrinks to the fleeting praise of onlookers. But when it is done in secret, with no thought of self-promotion, it is offered to God alone. The next verse promises that the Father who sees in secret will reward it openly. The vivid hyperbole of the hands is not meant literally but drives home the spirit of pure motive: give so quietly that you are not even keeping a private tally of your own goodness. This guards the heart against pride and keeps generosity focused on the genuine good of others and the honor of God. True giving flows from love, not from a hunger for recognition, and it finds its reward in the One who sees what no one else does.
Matthew 6:3 in the Original Language
The Greek eleemosyne, "alms," means acts of mercy or charity to the poor. The vivid contrast of "left hand" and "right hand" is hyperbole stressing secrecy and freedom from self-display.
Bible Verses Related to Matthew 6:3
“That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
- Matthew 6:4
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
- Proverbs 19:17
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
How to Apply Matthew 6:3 Today
When you help someone in need, do it quietly and without seeking recognition, offering your generosity to God rather than performing it for the praise of others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 6:3
What does let not your left hand know what your right hand does mean?
It is a vivid picture of giving so quietly and humbly that you do not even keep a private tally of your own generosity. Jesus calls for charity free from self-display and the desire for recognition.
Why should giving be done in secret?
Jesus warns that giving for public applause forfeits its true reward. When done in secret, generosity is offered to God alone, and the Father who sees in secret will reward it.