Key Verse Spotlight

Matthew 6:16 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Matthew 6:16

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

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.

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