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.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 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
English Standard Version
Fasting
16 “And (A)when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. (B)Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, (C)anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. (D)And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
