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Matthew 6:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 6:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;
Matthew 6:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;
18that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.
19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:
20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But thou, when thou fastest, etc.] Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of life, and refreshments of nature; but in an abstinence from sin, in acknowledgment and confession of it; and in the exercise of faith and hope in God, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin; wherefore cheerfulness, and a free use of the creatures, without an abuse of them, best became such persons. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; directly contrary to the Jewish canons, which forbid these things, with others, on fast days: “On the day of atonement, (say f423 they,) a man is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face--as the Jews did, except when mourning (Dan 10:3); so that the meaning is, "Appear as usual"--appear so as to attract no notice.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But thou when thou fastest, anoint ... - That is, appear as you do daily. Do not assume any new appearance, or change your visage or dress. The Jews and all neighboring nations were much in the habit of washing and anointing their bodies. This washing was performed at every meal; and where it could be effected, the head, or other parts of the body, was daily anointed with sweet or olive oil. In a warm climate, exposed to the great heat of the sun, this practice conduced much to health, preserved the skin smooth and tender, and afforded a most grateful sensation and odor. See Mark 7:2-3; James 5:14; Mark 11:13; John 12:3. The meaning of this whole commandment is, when you regard it to be your…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Anoint thy head - So the Jews frequently did. Dress thyself as usual. Matthew 6:19”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“anoint: Rut 3:3; Sa2 14:2; Ecc 9:8; Dan 10:2, Dan 10:3 Matthew 6:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification