Matthew 6:5 Meaning: When Prayer Turns Into Performance
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
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 ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
`And when thou mayest pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites, because they love in the synagogues, and in the corners of the broad places--standing--to pray, that they may be seen of men; verily I say to you, that they have their reward.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets so that they should appear to men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Meaning in one sentence
Does Jesus forbid public prayer in Matthew 6:5? He warns against praying to be seen, not against praying in public. It’s about the heart.
Context
Jesus is halfway through what we call the Sermon on the Mount. He has already warned his followers about doing good deeds just to get noticed. Now he turns to prayer. The pattern is the same: the hypocrites, a word that originally meant an actor on a stage, love to pray where everyone can see them. Jewish custom allowed prayer in synagogues and even in public squares at set hours. That was not the problem. The problem was that they wanted the audience more than they wanted God. Jesus points to a different way: prayer that happens in secret, between you and your Father.
Key Words
The word Jesus uses for hypocrites comes from the Greek hupokritēs, which originally meant an actor wearing a mask. These are people playing a part. Their prayers are a performance for the crowd, not a conversation with God.
Then there is the Greek verb phileō behind the phrase they love. It means a warm, personal affection. Jesus is not saying they merely tolerate public prayer, they are deeply fond of the attention it brings. That is what drives them to the street corners.
Finally, the verb apechō in they have received their reward means to have in full, to receive a receipt. They get exactly what they wanted: human notice. But that is all they get. The account is closed, with nothing left from heaven.
These three words together paint a picture: a masked actor who craves an audience, performs for applause, and walks away with only that.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that Jesus is not condemning public prayer itself. The early church prayed together in homes and in the temple. Calvin wrote that Jesus speaks comparatively, meaning we should prefer secrecy rather than seeking a crowd. The Catholic tradition has always valued liturgical prayer in common, while also urging private devotion. Matthew Henry, a Puritan pastor, said that public prayer is good but must flow from a secret life with God. What unites these readings is the same warning: motive matters. You can pray in a closet for show, and you can pray in a stadium for God. The question is whom you want to impress.
A common misunderstanding
Some people read this verse and think Jesus says we should never pray in church or in public. In fact, Jesus himself prayed in public (John 17) and taught his disciples to pray together (Matthew 6:9). The issue is not the location but the audience. He warns against praying so that they may be seen by men. Public prayer that aims at God is fine. Public prayer that aims at human approval misses the point entirely.
Living This Out
This week, pay attention to your own thoughts when you pray around other people. Are you secretly pleased when someone says, “You pray so well”? Do you choose longer or more eloquent words because others are listening? Jesus invites you to safeguard your prayer life with a closed door. Not because your room is magical, but because no one else is watching. That is the place where your heart can learn to speak to God alone. Then when you do pray with others, your focus will stay on Him, not on them.
Main takeaway: Prayer is meant for God’s ears, not for the applause of the people around you.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus wants you to talk to God like you are talking to your dad at home. You don’t need to show off. God loves to hear you even when no one else is listening.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever done something nice just so someone would notice you? Jesus says prayer can be like that. Some people in his day prayed loudly on street corners so everyone would think they were holy. But Jesus said the real reward isn’t people thinking you’re great, it’s God hearing you and answering. Try this week: pray somewhere quiet, just you and God. No one else has to know.
Questions People Ask
What does ‘hypocrite’ mean in Matthew 6:5?
The Greek word is hupokritēs, which originally meant an actor on a stage, someone playing a part. Jesus uses it for people who pretend to be devout in order to impress others. Their prayer is a performance, not real conversation with God.
Does Matthew 6:5 forbid all public prayer?
No. Jesus himself prayed in public and taught his disciples to pray together. He is warning against praying with the motive of being seen and admired. Public prayer that is sincere and directed to God is not forbidden here.
What does ‘they have their reward’ mean?
The Greek verb apechō means ‘to have in full, to receive a receipt.’ Jesus means that hypocrites get exactly what they wanted, the approval of people, but that is all they get. There is no additional reward from God because they already cashed in on human praise.
If I pray in church, is that wrong?
Not at all. Many Christians pray aloud in worship, small groups, or with family. What matters is your heart. If you are praying to connect with God and encourage others, it is good. If you are praying to sound impressive, you have missed the point.
Does ‘enter into your inner room’ mean we must always pray alone?
Jesus is giving an example of private prayer as a safeguard against hypocrisy. He does not forbid group prayer. The point is that your primary prayer life should be between you and God, not dependent on an audience. When you do pray with others, let it flow from that secret place.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study