Matthew 6:16-18
New English Translation
Proper Fasting
16 “When[a] you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive[b] so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth,[c] they have their reward! 17 When[d] you fast, anoint your head[e] and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
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- Matthew 6:16 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
- Matthew 6:16 tn Here the term “disfigure” (employed in a number of translations) was not used because it could convey to the modern reader the notion of physical mutilation. L&N 79.17 states, “‘to make unsightly, to disfigure, to make ugly.’ ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν ‘for they make their faces unsightly’ Mt 6:16.”
- Matthew 6:16 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”
- Matthew 6:17 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
- Matthew 6:17 sn This anointing would be done with olive oil or perfumed oil, a cosmetic procedure done in conjunction with washing the face.
Matthew 6:16-18
New American Standard Bible
Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth
16 “Now (A)whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they [a]distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. (B)Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, [b](C)anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your (D)Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 6:16 I.e., leave unwashed, or discolor their faces with makeup
- Matthew 6:17 I.e., rub oil in the hair
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