The real issue isn't praying in public places like synagogues or busy corners, but the love of being seen. Jesus highlights that these "hypocrites" chose these visible spots not for convenience or reverence, but because their motivation was to earn human admiration, and that hollow praise is the only reward they'll ever get.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about true righteousness, contrasting genuine faith with the performative piety of the Pharisees. He’s just spoken about giving to the needy, and now he shifts to prayer, warning against seeking human approval rather than God's. This instruction sets the stage for him to explain how to pray in a way that truly honors God, focusing on sincerity and an intimate relationship with the Father, rather than public display.
Have you ever felt like your actions, even religious ones, are more for show than for God? Jesus cuts right to the heart of this temptation.
Jesus is calling out a specific kind of prayer: prayer performed for an audience. He says the "hypocrites" – people who put on a show of piety – "love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others."
This wasn't just about praying in public places; it was about the motive behind it. They chose prominent spots, like busy street corners or places where many people gathered, not for genuine connection with God, but to draw attention to themselves. They wanted the admiration of others, the reputation of being super-spiritual. Jesus makes it clear: this desire for human applause is the only reward such prayers will ever receive.
What's the ultimate outcome of praying just to impress others? Jesus offers a stark, unforgettable answer.
Jesus’ statement, “Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward,” is a powerful indictment. It means their 'payment' is complete. They get the fleeting admiration of onlookers, the temporary boost to their reputation. But that's all.
There is no divine connection, no spiritual breakthrough, no Fatherly affirmation for prayers offered with this kind of ego-driven intention. The reward they sought is the only one they'll get. It’s a chilling reminder that God sees the heart, and He knows the difference between genuine devotion and a public relations campaign.
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Does Jesus condemn all public prayer? Not at all! He zeros in on the why behind the action.
It’s crucial to understand that Jesus isn't saying prayer should only happen in secret, or that public prayer is inherently wrong. He and his disciples often prayed in the synagogues and public places. The issue here is the intention.
The 'hypocrites' loved being seen. They chose public venues because they wanted an audience for their piety. Jesus’ point is that if your public prayers are motivated by a desire for human applause, you miss the true purpose of prayer. True prayer, even when done in a group setting, should be aimed at connecting with God, not impressing people.
Understand the original words
proseuchēsthe · Greek Verb
Communal communication with God, involving adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, intended to foster intimacy and alignment with His will.
proseuchomai · Greek Verb
To speak to God in devotion, petition, or praise; a relational act of seeking communion and communication with the Creator.
patēr · Greek Noun
The primary relational term for God, emphasizing His role as the source of life, provision, and covenant relationship with His people.
kryptos · Greek Adjective
That which is concealed or private; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the heart and the hidden places where genuine communion with God occurs, away from public display.
apodidōmi · Greek Verb
To grant recompense or recognition; in a biblical context, it refers to God's gracious response to those who seek Him in faith and obedience.
Jesus is directly addressing the common practices of His day, particularly those associated with some Pharisees. They would position themselves in public spaces like synagogues or busy street corners at set prayer times, not for genuine devotion, but to be noticed by others, seeking human approval as their only reward.
~500 BC
Synagogues Established
Following the Babylonian exile, synagogues became central places of worship and community gathering for Jewish people throughout the diaspora and in Judea.
1st century BC - 1st century AD
Pharisaic Influence Grows
The Pharisee movement gained prominence, emphasizing strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition. This period saw a rise in public displays of piety among some Pharisees.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus starts teaching and healing, challenging established religious norms and hypocrisy, including the ostentatious practices of some religious leaders.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Sermon on the Mount
During His public ministry, Jesus delivers His most famous sermon, addressing His disciples on the Mount of Olives, outlining the principles of His kingdom and true righteousness. This is where Matthew 6:5 is found.
This parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector directly contrasts the hypocritical, self-righteous prayer of the Pharisee who prayed publicly to be seen with the humble, sincere prayer of the tax collector.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's perspective on worship, stating that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances, underscoring Jesus' warning against praying for human approval rather than divine acceptance.
Matthew 23:5-7Jesus explicitly condemns the Pharisees' public displays of piety, including their love for public prayer and recognition, reinforcing the theme of seeking glory from people instead of God.
Psalm 119:166This psalm expresses a desire for God's salvation and a commitment to keeping His law, reflecting the inward focus and true devotion that Jesus calls for, in contrast to the hypocrites' outward show.
bensonMatthew 6:5: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Matthew 6:5-6 . When thou prayest — Which, if thou art my disciple indeed, thou wilt often do: thou shalt not be as the hypocrites — Praying out of vain ostentation. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues — In the sight of numbers of people. Of the…
barnesMatthew 6:5: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
And when thou prayest ... - Hypocrites manifested the same spirit about prayer as almsgiving; it was done in public places. The word "synagogues," here, clearly means, not the place of worship of that name, but places where many were accustomed to assemble -…
The real issue isn't praying in public places like synagogues or busy corners, but the love of being seen. Jesus highlights that these "hypocrites" chose these visible spots not for convenience or reverence, but because their motivation was to earn human admiration, and that hollow praise is the only reward they'll ever get.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about true righteousness, contrasting genuine faith with the performative piety of the Pharisees. He’s just spoken about giving to the needy, and now he shifts to prayer, warning against seeking human approval rather than God's. This instruction sets the stage for him to explain how to pray in a way that truly honors God, focusing on sincerity and an intimate relationship with the Father, rather than public display.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about true righteousness, contrasting genuine faith with the performative piety of the Pharisees. He’s just spoken about giving to the needy, and now he shifts to prayer, warning against seeking human approval rather than God's. This instruction sets the stage for him to explain how to pray in a way that truly honors God, focusing on sincerity and an intimate relationship with the Father, rather than public display.
"“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray,…" — The real issue isn't praying in public places like synagogues or busy corners, but the love of being seen. Jesus highlights that these "hypocrites" chose these visible spots not for convenience o…
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Last reviewed October 2026
