Matthew 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

Matthew 6:17 (KJV)

Context

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about fasting within a larger discussion of righteous practices. He contrasts the hypocritical fasting of those who disfigure their faces to be seen by others with the proper way His followers should fast. The phrase “when thou fastest” assumes that fasting will be a regular part of the believer’s life, not an optional extra.

Meaning

Anointing the head with oil and washing the face were common practices of personal grooming and refreshment in Jesus’ culture. By instructing His followers to do these ordinary things while fasting, Jesus deliberately went against Jewish fasting customs that forbade washing and anointing on fast days. The outward appearance should not betray the inward discipline. The believer is to maintain a normal, cheerful appearance so that fasting is not done for public recognition but solely for God, who sees in secret.

Biblical connections

This instruction belongs to a broader theme in Matthew 6:1-18, where Jesus addresses giving, prayer, and fasting with the same principle: do not practice righteousness before men to be seen by them. The command to anoint and wash is not a literal requirement for all times but a cultural expression of normalcy and joy. The underlying principle is that spiritual disciplines are between the believer and God, not for show.

Application

Matthew 6:17 teaches us that our spiritual disciplines, including fasting, should be motivated by a desire to draw closer to God, not to seek the approval or applause of people. Fasting is an opportunity to humble ourselves before God, seek His guidance, and deepen our dependence on Him. The verse encourages a balance: fasting is serious, but it should not be accompanied by a gloomy or ostentatious demeanor. Instead, the believer is to exhibit a calm, composed, and even joyful spirit, knowing that God sees and rewards in secret. The outward actions of anointing and washing symbolize inner purity and joy in God’s presence.

Reflection

True fasting is not merely outward abstinence but involves a cheerful and normal demeanor, reflecting trust in God’s reward. The believer’s motivation is to honor God, not to be seen by others. This verse is a call to genuine devotion, where the outward life is not a performance but a reflection of an inner reality. It also serves as a warning against the temptation to use spiritual practices for self-glorification. The believer’s reward is from God, not from human applause.