Matthew 6:16-18

Proper Fasting

6:16 “When ¹  you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive ²  so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, ³  they have their reward. 6:17 When ⁴  you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 6:18 so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

[6:16]  ¹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[6:16]  ² tn Here the term “disfigure” used in a number of translations was not used because it could convey to the modern reader the notion of mutilation. L&N 79.17 states, “‘to make unsightly, to disfigure, to make ugly.’ ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν ‘for they make their faces unsightly’ Mt 6:16.”

[6:16]  ³ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

[6:17]  ⁴ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.