Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

◄ Matthew 6:6 ►

New International Version
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

New Living Translation
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

English Standard Version
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Berean Standard Bible
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Berean Literal Bible
But you when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you.

King James Bible
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

New King James Version
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

New American Standard Bible
But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

NASB 1995
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

NASB 1977
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Legacy Standard Bible
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Amplified Bible
But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

Christian Standard Bible
But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

American Standard Version
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Contemporary English Version
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private and will reward you.

English Revised Version
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.

Good News Translation
But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

International Standard Version
But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees from the hidden place will reward you.

Majority Standard Bible
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.

NET Bible
But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

New Heart English Bible
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Webster's Bible Translation
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

Weymouth New Testament
But you, whenever you pray, go into your own room and shut the door: then pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.

World English Bible
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
But you, when you may pray, go into your chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who [is] in secret, and your Father who is seeing in secret will reward you.

Berean Literal Bible
But you when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you.

Young's Literal Translation
But thou, when thou mayest pray, go into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who is seeing in secret, shall reward thee manifestly.

Smith's Literal Translation
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy store-house, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which in secret; and thy Father who seeing in secret shall give back to thee openly.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But you, when you pray, enter into your room, and having shut the door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.

New American Bible
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

New Revised Standard Version
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and lock your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret he himself shall reward you openly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you, when you pray, enter into your closet and lock your door, and pray to your father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you in public.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Godbey New Testament
But when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly.

Haweis New Testament
But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and shut thy door, to pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Mace New Testament
but you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to your father who is with you in your retirement, and your father who observeth the actions of your retirement shall reward you.

Weymouth New Testament
But you, whenever you pray, go into your own room and shut the door: then pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you.

Worrell New Testament
But when you pray, enter into your closet; and, having closed your door, pray to your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who seeth in secret will recompense you.

Worsley New Testament
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Lord's Prayer
5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 14:23
After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,

Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.

Luke 5:16
Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

Luke 6:12
In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

Luke 9:18
One day as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: “Who do the crowds say I am?”

Luke 9:28
About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.

Luke 11:1
One day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Luke 18:10-14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ ...

John 4:23-24
But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. / God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

Acts 10:9
The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 14:15
What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Treasury of Scripture

But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.

enter.

Matthew 14:23
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Matthew 26:36-39
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder…

Genesis 32:24-29
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

pray.

Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Isaiah 65:24
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

John 20:17
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

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Chamber Close Closet Door Enter Inner Manifestly Mayest Openly Prayer Prayest Private Recompense Render Reward Room Secret Shut Shutting Thou Unseen Whenever

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Matthew 6

1. Giving to the Needy
5. The Lord's Prayer
16. Proper Fasting
19. Store up Treasures in Heaven
25. Do Not Worry
33. but seek God's kingdom.

Berean Study Bible

But when you pray
The phrase "But when you pray" indicates an expectation of prayer as a regular practice for believers. The Greek word for "pray" here is "προσεύχομαι" (proseuchomai), which implies a direct and personal communication with God. This suggests that prayer is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt dialogue with the Creator. Historically, prayer has been a cornerstone of Jewish and Christian life, reflecting a deep dependence on and relationship with God.

go into your inner room
The "inner room" refers to a private, secluded place. The Greek term "ταμεῖον" (tameion) can mean a storeroom or a private chamber, emphasizing the importance of privacy in prayer. In the historical context of first-century Judea, homes often had a small room used for storage or privacy. This instruction underscores the value of intimacy and focus in prayer, away from distractions and the eyes of others.

shut your door
"Shut your door" further emphasizes the need for privacy and concentration. The act of closing the door symbolizes shutting out the world and its distractions, creating a sacred space for communion with God. This action reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize time with God, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of prayer.

and pray to your Father
The phrase "pray to your Father" highlights the relational aspect of prayer. The use of "Father" (Greek: "πατήρ," pater) signifies a close, familial relationship with God, who is approachable and loving. This term would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, who understood the father-child relationship as one of care, provision, and authority.

who is unseen
"Who is unseen" acknowledges the invisible nature of God. The Greek word "ἀόρατος" (aoratos) means not visible to the human eye, reminding believers that faith is required to engage with God. This unseen presence assures believers that God is always near, even when not physically visible, encouraging trust and reliance on His omnipresence.

And your Father, who sees what is done in secret
This phrase reassures believers that God is omniscient, fully aware of all actions, even those hidden from human view. The Greek word "βλέπω" (blepo) for "sees" implies a deep, penetrating vision. This assurance of God's awareness provides comfort and accountability, knowing that sincere, private devotion is valued by God.

will reward you
The promise "will reward you" speaks to the certainty of God's response to sincere prayer. The Greek word "ἀποδίδωμι" (apodidomi) for "reward" suggests a giving back or recompense. This reward is not necessarily material but can be spiritual, such as peace, guidance, or a deeper relationship with God. Historically, this assurance would have encouraged early Christians facing persecution, reminding them that their faithfulness would not go unnoticed by God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Enter into thy closet.--Literally, the store-closet of thy house. The principle, as before, is embodied in a rule which startles, and which cannot be binding literally. Not in synagogue or street, nor by the river-side (Acts 16:13); not under the fig-tree in the court-yard (John 1:50), nor on the housetop where men were wont to pray (Acts 10:9)--these might, each and all, present the temptations of publicity--but in the steward's closet, in the place which seemed to men least likely, which they would count it irreverent to connect with the idea of prayer. The principle thus clothed in paradox is, of course, that personal prayer should be strictly personal and private. Our Lord's mode of acting on the principle was, it will be remembered, to withdraw from crowds and cities, and to pass the night in prayer on the lonely slopes of the hills of Galilee (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; John 6:15). . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - But thou (emphatic) when thou prayset, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray, etc. An adaptation of Isaiah 26:20 (cf. also 2 Kings 4:33). The prophet's language describing the action befitting a time of terror is used by our Lord to express what ought to be the normal practice of each of his followers. Observe that the widow of one of the sons of the prophets so acted when she was about to receive the miraculous supply of oil (2 Kings 4:4, 5). Closet; Revised Version, inner chamber, more readily suggesting the passage in Isaiah to the English reader. To thy Father which is in secret. Not "which seeth in secret," as in the next clause. The thought here may be partly that to be unseen of men is a help to communion with him who is also unseen by them, but especially that the manner of your actions ought to resemble that of your Father's, who is himself unseen and works unseen. And thy Father which seeth in secret. You will be no loser, since his eyes pass by nothing, however well concealed it be from the eyes of men. Shall reward thee openly (ver. 4, notes).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

when
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

you pray,
προσεύχῃ (proseuchē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

go
εἴσελθε (eiselthe)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

inner room,
ταμεῖόν (tameion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5009: A store-chamber, secret chamber, closet; a granary, barn.

shut
κλείσας (kleisas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2808: To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

door,
θύραν (thyran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.

[and] pray
πρόσευξαι (proseuxai)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

to
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father,
Πατρί (Patri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

who [is]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unseen.
κρυπτῷ (kryptō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2927: From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father,
Πατήρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sees
βλέπων (blepōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

what is done
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in secret,
κρυπτῷ (kryptō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2927: From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.

will reward
ἀποδώσει (apodōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.

you.
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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NT Gospels: Matthew 6:6 But you when you pray enter into (Matt. Mat Mt)