Matthew 6:16 Meaning: Fasting for the Eyes of God
“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
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.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
`And when ye may fast, be ye not as the hypocrites, of sour countenances, for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men fasting; verily I say to you, that they have their reward.
And when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, downcast in countenance; for they disfigure their faces, so that they may appear fasting to men: verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus warns that fasting done to impress others is hypocrisy, but the Father who sees in secret will reward those who fast for Him alone.
Context
This verse sits in the heart of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He reorients the religious practices of His followers. The crowds had watched the scribes and Pharisees turn piety into public spectacle. Jesus calls His disciples to a different way. In the surrounding verses He has already addressed giving to the poor and prayer. Now He turns to fasting. The hypocrites, the word originally meant 'stage actors', would make their faces gaunt and miserable so everyone would know they were fasting. Jesus does not question the value of fasting itself; in verses 17-18 He assumes His disciples will fast. But He presses past the outward act to the heart. Whose eyes are you performing for? If the answer is human eyes, the applause you hear is your only payment.
Key Words
The Greek word for 'hypocrites' (hupokritai) originally referred to an actor on a stage, someone wearing a mask and playing a part. Jesus uses it for people who pretend a devotion they do not feel, because they want to be admired.
The word for 'disfigure' (aphanizousin) means to make something vanish from sight, to ruin its appearance. The Pharisees would leave their faces unwashed and sprinkle ashes on their heads so their self‑inflicted ugliness would be noticed. But the real fasting, the hidden act of the heart, had disappeared under the costume.
And the word translated 'sad countenance' (skuthrōpoi) describes a sour, gloomy look, the face of someone determined to be seen suffering. Jesus cuts through the mask: you stop acting, and you let your fast be a quiet conversation between you and God.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this passage as a call to interior sincerity rather than outward show. Early church fathers, like John Chrysostom, taught that fasting without mercy is like a lamp without oil, the true fast is not only from food but from sin. Reformed commentators such as Calvin saw a rejection of works‑righteousness: the reward comes from God's grace, not our performance. Catholic teaching has long distinguished between the discipline of fasting (practiced together by the Church, as in Lent) and the pharisaical spirit Jesus condemns, the discipline is good if it draws us closer to God, not if it draws attention to ourselves. Eastern Orthodox tradition likewise treats fasting as a spiritual medicine that must be taken with humility, never used to impress others. The thread running through all these readings is the same: a fast seen by others but not by God is no fast at all.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Jesus is telling us never to look sad or serious when we fast, as if wearing a smile is the point. In fact, the problem is not the expression on our face; it is the audience in our heart. The hypocrites disfigured their faces so that others would see and admire their piety. The question is not whether your face is somber or cheerful, it is who you are trying to please. If your aim is to be seen by God, your face may take care of itself.
Living This Out
You may not observe formal fasts. But you know what it is to serve and give in a way that others might notice. This week, Jesus invites you to do one spiritual practice in secret. Let nobody know. Not your spouse, not your best friend. Give something, pray for someone, or skip a meal, and let it be between you and God. When the urge to mention it rises (and it will), hold still. Let the Father who sees what is hidden be your only audience. That hidden corner is where real reward grows.
Main takeaway: God's quiet approval is worth more than the loudest praise from those around us.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When you do something good for God, you can keep it a secret. God loves to see what you do when no one is watching. That is your special secret with Him.
For ages 9, 12
Sometimes people pretend to be extra holy so others will think they are good. But Jesus says that is like acting in a play. When you fast or pray, God wants to see your real heart. You don't need to look sad or tell everyone what you are doing. Just do it for God, and He will be happy with you. The best reward is knowing that God sees and cares.
Questions People Ask
Does this verse mean Jesus is against fasting?
No. Jesus assumes His followers will fast (see verses 17-18). He is not abolishing the practice but correcting the motive. Fasting is a biblical discipline, but it must be done for God, not for show.
What does 'hypocrites' mean in this context?
The Greek word originally meant a stage actor, someone who wears a mask and plays a role. Jesus uses it for people who pretend to be more spiritually devoted than they really are because they want the admiration of others.
What is the 'reward' Jesus talks about?
The hypocrites have already received their reward: the praise and recognition they wanted. For those who fast in secret, God will reward them. The Bible describes this reward as God's approval and blessing, both now and in eternity.
What does it mean to 'disfigure their faces'?
The Greek word means to make the face unrecognizable. People would leave their faces unwashed, put ashes on their heads, and adopt a miserable look. This was meant to signal their fasting to others. Jesus says that kind of show misses the point entirely.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study