Therefore when thou doest thine alms, 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. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
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 х hupokritees (G5273)] - of such frequent occurrence in Scripture, signifying primarily 'one who sets a part'-denotes one who either pretends to be what he is not (as here), or dissembles what he really is (as in Luke 12:1-2).
In the synagogues and in the streets - the places of religious and of 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, and they have it-and with it, all they will ever get.