Matthew 6:2

“Wherefore, when thou dost thine alms, etc.] Christ proceeds to give some directions and cautions about giving of alms, that they might be done aright, and answer some valuable purposes for the glory of God, the good of others, and their own: do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. The persons Christ has reference to were the Scribes and Pharisees, who did all they did to be seen of men; whom he calls “hypocrites”; as he often does, because they put on an appearance of religion and holiness, but inwardly, and otherwise, were very wicked men. It does not appear that any such practice was literally…”

“Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee--The expression is to be taken figuratively for blazoning it. Hence our expression to "trumpet." as the hypocrites do--This word--of such frequent occurrence in Scripture, signifying primarily "one who acts a part"--denotes one who either pretends to be what he is not (as here), or dissembles what he really is (as in Luk 12:1-2). in the synagogues and in the streets--the places of religious and secular resort. that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you--In such august expressions, it is the Lawgiver and Judge Himself that we hear speaking to us. They have their reward--All they wanted was human applause,…”

“Do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do - The word “hypocrite” is taken from “stage-players,” who act the part of others, or speak not their own sentiments, but the sentiments of others. It means here, and in the New Testament generally, those who “dissemble” or hide their real sentiments, and assume or express other feelings than their own - those who, for purposes of ostentation, gain, or applause, put on the appearance of religion. It is probable that such persons, when they were about to bestow alms, caused a trumpet to be sounded, professedly to call the poor together to receive it, but really to call the people to see the proofs of their liberality and piety; or…”

“As the hypocrites do - Many of the scribes and Pharisees did this, under a pretence of calling the poor together. They have their reward - All they will have; for they shall have none from God. Matthew 6:3”

“6:2 the hypocrites: See study note on 23:13. • The blowing of trumpets accompanied major rituals, including public fasts.”

“when: Job 31:16-20; Psa 37:21, Psa 112:9; Pro 19:17; Ecc 11:2; Isa 58:7, Isa 58:10-12; Luk 11:41, Luk 12:33; Joh 13:29; Act 9:36, Act 10:2, Act 10:4, Act 10:31, Act 11:29, Act 24:17; Rom 12:8; Co2 9:6-15; Gal 2:10; Eph 4:28; Ti1 6:18; Plm 1:7; Heb 13:16; Jam 2:15, Jam 2:16; Pe1 4:11; Jo1 3:17-19 do not sound a trumpet: or, cause not a trumpet to be sounded, Pro 20:6; Hos 8:1 as: Mat 6:5, Mat 7:5, Mat 15:7, Mat 16:3, Mat 22:18, 23:13-29, Mat 24:51; Isa 9:17, Isa 10:6; Mar 7:6; Luk 6:42, Luk 12:56, Luk 13:15 in the synagogues: Mat 6:5, Mat 23:6; Mar 12:39; Luk 11:43, Luk 20:46 glory: Sa1 15:30; Joh 5:41, Joh 5:44, Joh 7:18; Th1 2:6 verily: Mat 6:5, Mat 6:16, Mat 5:18 Matthew 6:3”