Matthew 6:6
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't just telling us to find a quiet place; he's highlighting that your intention is what God sees. He wants us to pray not to be seen by others, but to connect with the Father who sees our sincere heart, even when no one else is looking.
Jesus is teaching about true righteousness, contrasting it with the performative piety of some religious leaders who did good deeds only to be seen by others. He’s just warned against sounding like a hypocrite when giving to the needy or fasting, and this verse continues that thought by addressing prayer. The point isn't to avoid public prayer, but to ensure our heart's connection with God isn't about impressing people.
Jesus says to go into your 'closet' and shut the door. But what if you don't have a physical 'closet'?
When Jesus talks about the 'closet' or 'inner chamber,' he's pointing to something deeper than just a physical room.
The Principle of Privacy
The core idea is about seeking privacy for your prayer life. It's about finding a space—whether it's a literal room, a quiet corner, a walk in nature, or even a mental space—where you can be truly alone with God.
The 'Why' Behind the 'Where'
Jesus isn't condemning public prayer; he's warning against praying to be seen by others. The 'closet' represents a place where the motivation for prayer is pure: direct communion with your Heavenly Father, not seeking human applause.
Creating Your Space
Even if your circumstances are challenging, the desire to pray can create a secret place. Jesus himself sought solitude on mountainsides and before daybreak. Your 'closet' is wherever you can intentionally set aside distractions to focus on God.
Jesus promises a reward for praying in secret. But who is this Father who sees what no one else does?
The power of secret prayer hinges on who God is: your Father who sees everything, even the hidden corners of your heart.
God's Unseen Presence
'Your Father who sees in secret' isn't just a passive observer. He is intimately aware of your inner life—your true desires, your unspoken needs, your deepest struggles. He sees beyond the words you speak to the heart from which they come.
The Reward of Authenticity
Because He sees the genuine intention behind your prayers, not just the outward show, He promises to reward you. This reward isn't about earning favor, but about God responding to your authentic connection with Him. He promises to 'reward you openly,' meaning His acknowledgment and blessings will manifest, even if the prayer itself was hidden.
Understand the original words
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.
This passage also speaks about hidden things being brought to light, echoing Jesus' teaching that what is whispered in private will be proclaimed from the housetops, underscoring the idea that our secret devotion is not ultimately hidden from God.
Isaiah 26:20This Old Testament verse, which likely influenced Jesus' phrasing, instructs God's people to enter their rooms and shut the door to hide for a little while, drawing a parallel between seeking refuge in God during times of trouble and seeking Him in private prayer.
Daniel 6:10Daniel's persistent prayer practice, facing his window toward Jerusalem even when it was forbidden, demonstrates a commitment to private devotion and seeking God despite potential public opposition, aligning with Jesus' emphasis on secret prayer.
Matthew 14:23Jesus Himself provides the ultimate example by withdrawing to a mountain to pray in private after feeding the crowd, showing that even He, in His divine nature, recognized the importance of secret communion with His Father.
vincentMatthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Closet (ταμιεῖον)See on Luke 12:3.
barnesMatthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Enter into thy closet - Every Jewish house had a place for secret devotion. The roofs of their houses were flat places, well adapted for walking, conversation, and meditation. See the notes at Matthew 9:2 . Professor Hackett ("Illustrations of Scripture," p. 82) says: "On the roof of the house i…
Jesus isn't just telling us to find a quiet place; he's highlighting that your intention is what God sees. He wants us to pray not to be seen by others, but to connect with the Father who sees our sincere heart, even when no one else is looking.
Jesus is teaching about true righteousness, contrasting it with the performative piety of some religious leaders who did good deeds only to be seen by others. He’s just warned against sounding like a hypocrite when giving to the needy or fasting, and this verse continues that thought by addressing prayer. The point isn't to avoid public prayer, but to ensure our heart's connection with God isn't about impressing people.
Jesus is teaching about true righteousness, contrasting it with the performative piety of some religious leaders who did good deeds only to be seen by others. He’s just warned against sounding like a hypocrite when giving to the needy or fasting, and this verse continues that thought by addressing prayer. The point isn't to avoid public prayer, but to ensure our heart's connection with God isn't about impressing people.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 6:6 is available in the Sola app.
Trusting the Invisible
This calls us to trust that our hidden moments of prayer are not in vain. God's attention is fully on you in those secret times, and His response is sure, even when unseen by others.
"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." — Jesus isn't just telling us to find a quiet place; he's highlighting that your intention is what God sees. He wants us to pray not to be seen by others, but to connect with the Father who sees our…
