“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses the vivid image of a trumpet blast to describe the purpose behind hypocrisy: to make a grand, public spectacle. Those who "sound their own trumpet" in giving are essentially saying their reward is the applause of others, and Jesus confirms they get exactly what they bargain for – nothing more from God.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about authentic righteousness, contrasting true piety with the performative religiosity of the Pharisees. He has just spoken about prayer, and now he moves to almsgiving, warning against doing good deeds solely for human praise. The verses that follow will continue this theme, addressing fasting and the pursuit of wealth with the same emphasis on sincerity over outward show.
Ever felt the urge to let others know about your good deeds? Jesus directly addresses this temptation, comparing it to a loud, attention-grabbing fanfare.
Jesus uses vivid imagery here: 'sound no trumpet before you.' While there's no solid evidence of literal trumpets being blown before almsgivers, the phrase powerfully paints a picture of ostentatious display. The 'hypocrites' Jesus speaks of weren't just giving money; they were performing for an audience. They sought glory from men, using their generosity as a stage.
Think about it:
Jesus delivers a stunning verdict on the hypocrites' actions: 'Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.' What does this really mean?
The phrase 'they have received their reward' is not a blessing; it's a finality. It means they got exactly what they were aiming for – human praise.
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Here's the breakdown:
Understand the original words
hypokritai · Greek Noun
A person who pretends to be virtuous, pious, or religious, but whose outward actions do not reflect a genuine heart or internal reality before God.
eleēmosynēn · Greek Noun
The poor, destitute, or those in physical need who depend on the generosity and charity of others, often the focus of biblical commands for social justice and compassion.
synagōgais · Greek Noun
A place of Jewish assembly for reading the Law, teaching, and communal worship, which became a focal point of religious life in the post-exilic period.
Jesus' warning against "sounding a trumpet" for alms is likely a vivid metaphor, not a literal practice, contrasting genuine charity with the self-serving displays common among some religious leaders of his day.
c. 150 BC
Temple Treasury Trumpet-Shaped Chests
The Second Temple in Jerusalem featured thirteen trumpet-shaped chests for collecting voluntary offerings. While not used for announcing almsgiving, these could have provided a visual or conceptual link for Jesus' metaphor.
Early 1st century AD
Rise of Ascetic and Pharisaic Movements
Groups like the Pharisees and Essenes emphasized strict adherence to the Law, with some individuals seeking public recognition for their piety and charitable acts.
c. AD 25-30— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
Jesus commences his public teaching and ministry in Galilee, frequently interacting with crowds and religious leaders, and delivering foundational teachings like the Sermon on the Mount.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Delivers the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers his most extensive recorded sermon, outlining the ethics and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, including teachings on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
This passage contrasts the self-righteous boasting of the Pharisee with the humble prayer of the tax collector, highlighting the same theme of seeking human praise versus finding favor with God.
Proverbs 25:2This verse states that 'It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter,' echoing Jesus' emphasis on hidden deeds receiving divine acknowledgment, not public acclaim.
Matthew 23:5-7Jesus directly rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their public displays of piety, such as making their phylacteries broad and loving places of honor, further illustrating the 'hypocritical' behavior Jesus warns against in Matthew 6:2.
Colossians 3:23-24This passage encourages believers to 'Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward,' connecting the motivation for our actions directly to God rather than human applause.
vincentMatthew 6:2: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Sound a trumpet (σαλπίσης)There seems to be no trace of any such custom on the part of almsgivers, so that the expression must be taken as a figurative one for making a display. It is just possible that the figure may have been suggested by the "trumpets" of the temple…
bensonMatthew 6:2: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Matthew 6:2-4 . Therefore, &c. — The caution is so important, that our Lord illustrates it in various particulars. When thou doest thine alms — Exercisest thy charity by performing works of mercy; do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do — From this it wo…
Jesus uses the vivid image of a trumpet blast to describe the purpose behind hypocrisy: to make a grand, public spectacle. Those who "sound their own trumpet" in giving are essentially saying their reward is the applause of others, and Jesus confirms they get exactly what they bargain for – nothing more from God.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about authentic righteousness, contrasting true piety with the performative religiosity of the Pharisees. He has just spoken about prayer, and now he moves to almsgiving, warning against doing good deeds solely for human praise. The verses that follow will continue this theme, addressing fasting and the pursuit of wealth with the same emphasis on sincerity over outward show.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about authentic righteousness, contrasting true piety with the performative religiosity of the Pharisees. He has just spoken about prayer, and now he moves to almsgiving, warning against doing good deeds solely for human praise. The verses that follow will continue this theme, addressing fasting and the pursuit of wealth with the same emphasis on sincerity over outward show.
"“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward." — Jesus uses the vivid image of a trumpet blast to describe the purpose behind hypocrisy: to make a grand, public spectacle. Those who "sound their own trumpet" in giving are essentially saying their…
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Last reviewed October 2026