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Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com  

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/07/06/quick-devotional-from-matthew-617-observation-from-the-greek/

Quick Devotional from Matthew 6:17 (Observation from the Greek)

July 6, 2021 by SLIMJIM

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading some time ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of Matthew 6:17.  Here is my translation:

“σὺ δὲ νηστεύων ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι,

”But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face

Here are some observations:

1. In the context this is Jesus’ teaching on fasting that began in 16.

2. The Greek word δὲ shows a slight contrast.  It is showing that in verse 17 it is going to be a contrast with the hypocrite described earlier in verse 16: “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.“

3. I take the participle νηστεύων here to be functioning temporally to say when we fast, Jesus is going to give some stipulations.  Note it doesn’t say if we fast, but when.

4. The action Jesus wants us to do when we fast is ἄλειψαί.  

   1. This verb literally means anoint.

   2. It is an imperative, showing this is a command.

   3. The middle voice shows the action is done to oneself.

5. What are we to anoint?  Jesus said “your head.“

6. The second action Jesus wants us to do when we fast is νίψαι.  

   1. This verb means to wash.

   2. It is an imperative, showing this is a command.

   3. The middle voice shows the action is done to oneself.

7. What are we to anoint?  Jesus said “your face.“

8. Again this verse must be understood in light of the previous verse of verse 16 that we are not to be hypocritical when we fast.  Hypocrite at one time refer to actors.  So instead of acting religious where we put on “make up” of self-righteousness we should stop the “act” and come to Christ.  Ironically we do “act” with not showing off our fasting.

9. I take it that the last verb “wash” in terms of syntax was placed last for emphasis.  We really should not be making people look up to us or feel sorry for us as our primary motivation of why we fast unto God.

Application:

• We ought not to fast for show.  Furthermore our worship of God is not primarily done for show for other people.

• Do you have any sins of hypocrisy to confess to God?

• When was the last time you fasted?  

• Search your heart to see if you are just acting as a Christian but you aren’t one.  If it turns out you are not saved, trust in Jesus to save you from your sins today.  To be saved from the wrath of God trust in Jesus’ living a sinless life, died on the Cross in place of sinners’ being judged by God and was buried, raised on the Third Day as proof this is true.  Have you trusted in Christ today?

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://rjchristiancoaching.com/prayer-and-fasting/