16 [a]Moreover, when ye fast, look not sour as the hypocrites: for they [b]disfigure their faces, that they might seem unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you that they have their reward.

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

18 That thou seem not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 6:16 Against such as hunt after a name of holiness, by fasting.
  2. Matthew 6:16 They suffer not their first hue to be seen, that is to say, they mar the natural color of their faces, that they may seem lean and palefaced.

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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