But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
Parallel translations
- WEB But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
- KJV But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
- NKJV But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
- NASB But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
- NLT But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
When you give, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. It calls for giving so unselfconscious that it seeks no notice.
Overview
With a vivid image, Jesus urges a generosity so free of self-display that one hardly takes account of it oneself. Giving is to be quiet and sincere, directed to God's eyes alone. Such humble charity reflects a heart transformed by grace rather than craving recognition.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- John 7:4For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.”
- Matt 9:30And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!”
- Mark 1:44“See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
- Matt 12:19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets.
- Matt 8:4Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Commentaries & study tools
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 6:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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