| Matthew 6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Category | Gospel |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 1 |
Matthew 6 is the sixth chapter of theGospel of Matthew in theNew Testament. This chapter contains the central portion of theSermon on the Mount, including theLord's Prayer.[1]
The original text was written inKoine Greek. This chapter isdivided into 34 verses.
Some earlymanuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:[a]
The first part of the chapter,Matthew 6:1–18, deals with the outward and inward expression of piety, referring to almsgiving, private prayer and fasting.[2] New Testament scholarDale Allison suggests that this section acts as "a sort of commentary" onMatthew 5:21–48, or a short "cult-didache": Matthew 5:21–48 details "what to do", whereas Matthew 6:1–18 teaches "how to do it".[3] Sometimes called the "Discourse on Ostentation",[citation needed] these verses address the three most important outward expressions of Jewish piety,almsgiving,prayer, andfasting. Jesus endorses the standard teachings that these acts are important. Throughout this section he stresses that worship and piety should not be ostentatious, and ideally should be done in secret. He strongly contravenes those who make public displays of their piety, which can be understood as teaching that those who are pious to impress others will only impress people, and will do nothing to impress God.
Matthew 6:19–34 deals with possessions and the issues of priorities and trust.[2] The first part inMatthew 6:19–24 has three elements about two treasures, two eyes and two masters. The second part inMatthew 6:25–34 deals with trust in God and also has three elements and provides reasons for not being anxious.[2]
InJohn Wesley's analysis of the Sermon on the Mount, chapter five outlines "the sum of all true religion", allowing this chapter to detail "rules for that right intention which we are to preserve in all our outward actions, unmixed with worldly desires or anxious cares for even thenecessaries of life" and thefollowing chapter to provide "cautions against the main hinderances of religion".[4] Wesley further analyses chapter 6 as follows:
In the 2007 bookHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows byJ. K. Rowling, it is written that the inscription on the tombstone ofAriana Dumbledore reads "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also".[6] This is taken from theKing James Version ofMatthew 6:21 and/orLuke 12:34, which are identical.[7][8]
