Matthew 6:16 is the sixteenth verse of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. This verse opens the discussion of fasting.

In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads:

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.

The World English Bible translates the passage as:

“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.

Previously this chapter has discussed proper procedure for alms giving and prayer. In this verse Jesus moves on the third important form of Jewish worship: fasting. Fasting was an important part of piety in this period.

"Disfigure their faces" may refer to putting ash on the face to darken one's complexion and make sure that everyone around is aware that one is fasting. This may also reflect the original meaning of hypocrite as actor, as these fasters are putting on a show of suffering.

References

• France, R.T. The Gospel According to Matthew: an Introduction and Commentary. Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1985.
• Hill, David. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981
• Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans, 1992.