Matthew 6:16

“Moreover when ye fast, etc.] This is to be understood, not so much of their public stated fasts, and which were by divine appointment, as of their private fasts; which, with the Jews, were very frequent and numerous, and particularly every Monday and Thursday; (see <421812>Luke 18:12) in which they affected great severity, and is here condemned by Christ: be not as the hypocrites, the Scribes and Pharisees, of a sad countenance; who put on very mournful airs, and dismal looks; made wry faces, and distorted countenances; banished all pleasantry and cheerfulness from them, so that they looked quite like other men than they really were; for they disfigure their faces; not by covering them out…”

“Moreover, when ye fast--referring, probably, to private and voluntary fasting, which was to be regulated by each individual for himself; though in spirit it would apply to any fast. be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces--literally, "make unseen"; very well rendered "disfigure." They went about with a slovenly appearance, and ashes sprinkled on their head. that they may appear unto men to fast--It was not the deed, but reputation for the deed which they sought; and with this view those hypocrites multiplied their fasts. And are the exhausting fasts of the Church of Rome, and of Romanizing Protestants, free from this taint? Verily I say unto you, They…”

“Moreover, when ye fast - The word “fast” literally signifies to abstain from food and drink, whether from necessity or as a religious observance. It is, however, commonly applied in the Bible to the latter. It is, then, an expression of grief or sorrow. Such is the constitution of the body, that in a time of grief or sorrow we are not disposed to eat; or, we have no appetite. The grief of the “soul” is so absorbing as to destroy the natural appetites of the “body.” People in deep affliction eat little, and often pine away and fall into sickness, because the body refuses, on account of the deep sorrow of the mind, to discharge the functions of health. “Fasting, then, is the natural expression…”

“When ye fast? - Our Lord does not enjoin either fasting, alms - deeds, or prayer: all these being duties which were before fully established in the Church of God. Disfigure - By the dust and ashes which they put upon their heads, as was usual at the times of solemn humiliation. Matthew 6:17”

“6:16 Prayer and fasting are frequently connected (Lev 23:27-32; Neh 9:1-2; Zech 7:3-5; 8:19; Luke 18:12). The practice had been abused before Jesus’ time (Isa 58:3-12).”

“when: Mat 9:14, Mat 9:15; Sa2 12:16, Sa2 12:21; Neh 1:4; Est 4:16; Psa 35:13, Psa 69:10, Psa 109:24; Dan 9:3; Luk 2:37; Act 10:30, Act 13:2, Act 13:3, Act 14:23; Co1 7:5; Co2 6:5, Co2 11:27 be: Mat 6:2, Mat 6:5; Kg1 21:27; Isa 58:3-5; Zac 7:3-5; Mal 3:14; Mar 2:18; Luk 18:12 Matthew 6:17”