“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is revealing a subtle spiritual trap: the "disfigure" here isn't about actually making your face look bad, but rather hiding your true appearance by neglecting normal care, like washing and anointing. They do this so their fasting appears to be seen by others, making their outward show their only, and ultimate, reward.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about practicing their faith in ways that honor God, not just for show. He's already warned against seeking glory from others in prayer and giving, and now he addresses fasting, a common spiritual discipline that could easily become a performance. He contrasts true devotion with the outward show of the hypocrites, who disfigure themselves to draw attention to their piety.
Ever feel like you're going through the motions in your spiritual life? Jesus gets straight to the heart of it, calling out those who use religious acts as a stage for their own performance.
Jesus addresses fasting here as a practice that, while not commanded by Him, was a common religious discipline among the Jews. The Pharisees, in particular, had made it a public spectacle.
The Heart of the Matter
Fasting, in its purest form, is about humbling yourself before God, often as an expression of deep sorrow or repentance. When it becomes a show, it loses its spiritual power and becomes mere self-glorification.
What's the ultimate prize for those who put on a show of piety? Jesus gives a surprisingly blunt answer: they get exactly what they were aiming for... and no more.
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Jesus’s statement, 'Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward,' is a powerful indictment. It means their entire focus, their effort, and their 'religious' act were aimed solely at gaining the approval and admiration of other people.
What is This 'Reward'?
Jesus encourages His followers to fast, pray, and give in secret, trusting that their Heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward them.
Understand the original words
nēsteuēte · Greek Verb
The practice of abstaining from food for a period of time to focus on prayer, repentance, or seeking God's will; it is an act of self-denial and spiritual discipline.
hypokritai · Greek Noun
One who acts on a stage, metaphorically referring to someone who plays a part or acts in a way that is insincere or deceptive, particularly in religious devotion.
misthon · Greek Noun
A physical or spiritual return for one's actions, often used in this context to denote the temporary, earthly recognition received for performative religious acts, which precludes further divine reward.
Jesus is speaking into a context where fasting, a practice with ancient roots in national mourning and repentance, had become a performative religious act for some, particularly the Pharisees. He calls His followers back to the spirit of the act—a genuine turning towards God—rather than the outward show.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II conquer Jerusalem, destroying Solomon's Temple and exiling a significant portion of the population. This event marked a profound national tragedy, leading to the establishment of annual fasts.
c. 444 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah return to Jerusalem
Following the return of many Jews from Babylonian exile, figures like Ezra and Nehemiah lead efforts to rebuild the Temple and the city walls, reinforcing religious and social order. Fasting was a common practice during times of repentance and rededication.
c. 150 BC - AD 70
Rise of Pharisaic Judaism
During this period, the Pharisees gained significant influence, emphasizing meticulous observance of Jewish law and tradition, including increased frequency of fasting beyond the divinely appointed days. They often fasted twice weekly.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers His most famous sermon, including instructions on prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. He addresses the common Jewish practices of the time, correcting misguided motivations and emphasizing sincerity before God.
This passage directly criticizes the superficiality of fasting practiced for show, much like Jesus does in Matthew 6, highlighting that true devotion isn't about outward appearances but inner sincerity.
Luke 18:12This verse provides an example of the kind of fasting Jesus is cautioning against, as the Pharisee boasts about fasting twice a week, implying an outward display meant to impress others.
2 Samuel 12:20When David's son dies, he washes and anoints himself, refusing to fast and appear outwardly sorrowful, demonstrating a healthy approach to grief that doesn't rely on public performance.
Colossians 2:23Paul describes a similar kind of self-imposed asceticism and rigorous treatment of the body that looks wise on the surface but has no real power against fleshly desires, echoing Jesus' critique of empty religious displays.
vincentMatthew 6:16: "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."
Ye fast (νηστεύητε)Observe the force of the present tense as indicating action in progress: Whenever ye may be fasting.Of a sad countenance (σκυθρωποί)An uncommon word in the New Testament, occurring only here and at Luke 24:17. Trench ("Studies in the Gospels") explains it by the older sen…
bensonMatthew 6:16: "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."
Matthew 6:16-18 . When ye fast — Our Lord does not enjoin either fasting, alms-deeds, or prayer, all these being duties which were before fully established in the Church of God. Be not as the hypocrites, &c. — Do not follow the example of the hypocrites, who, in order to show that they fast,…
Jesus is revealing a subtle spiritual trap: the "disfigure" here isn't about actually making your face look bad, but rather hiding your true appearance by neglecting normal care, like washing and anointing. They do this so their fasting appears to be seen by others, making their outward show their only, and ultimate, reward.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about practicing their faith in ways that honor God, not just for show. He's already warned against seeking glory from others in prayer and giving, and now he addresses fasting, a common spiritual discipline that could easily become a performance. He contrasts true devotion with the outward show of the hypocrites, who disfigure themselves to draw attention to their piety.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about practicing their faith in ways that honor God, not just for show. He's already warned against seeking glory from others in prayer and giving, and now he addresses fasting, a common spiritual discipline that could easily become a performance. He contrasts true devotion with the outward show of the hypocrites, who disfigure themselves to draw attention to their piety.
"“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward." — Jesus is revealing a subtle spiritual trap: the "disfigure" here isn't about actually making your face look bad, but rather hiding your true appearance by neglecting normal care, like washing and a…
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Last reviewed October 2026