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The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Introduction

Matthew 6:1 serves as a pivotal verse at the outset of a section where Jesus addresses the practice of righteousness. This passage is crucial for understanding the Sermon on the Mount’s ethical teachings, especially regarding the motivation behind religious deeds. A close examination of the textual variants offers insights into the original wording and its intended message.

Manuscript Evidence

Three principal readings exist for Matthew 6:1, each offering a different nuance to the understanding of “righteousness”:

“Your Righteousness” (WH NU):
- Manuscript Support: Codex Sinaiticus (א*), Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Bezae (D), and others.
- This reading emphasizes a general concept of righteousness, aligning with the broader context of Jesus’ teachings on genuine piety.
“Your Almsgiving” (TR):
- Manuscript Support: Codex Washingtonianus (W), Codex Koridethi (Θ), and the Majority Text.
- Likely influenced by the immediate context of almsgiving in Matthew 6:2, this variant narrows the focus to a specific act of righteousness.
“Your Gift [Giving]” (א1, syrc, copbo):
- A less common variant that further specifies the act, possibly relating to temple offerings or other forms of giving.

Analysis of Variants

The transition from a general admonition against practicing piety for show to specific examples (almsgiving, prayer, fasting) suggests that the broader term “righteousness” likely reflects the original intent. This term encompasses a wider range of righteous acts beyond almsgiving, underscoring the internal disposition over external observance.

The variants “your almsgiving” and “your gift [giving]” may represent early interpretive glosses aiming to clarify what form of “righteousness” Jesus was addressing. These specific terms, however, might limit the scope of Jesus’ teaching, which the broader context suggests was more comprehensive.

Theological and Exegetical Implications

Opting for “your righteousness” supports a holistic understanding of piety, consistent with Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as one who fulfills and deepens the Law’s demands. This reading emphasizes the heart’s orientation over the act itself, a theme that resonates throughout the Sermon on the Mount.

Conclusion: Determining the Original Reading

After considering the documentary evidence, the thematic coherence of the Sermon on the Mount, and the likely motivations for variant readings, “τὴν δικαιοσύνην ὑμῶν” (“your righteousness”) emerges as the reading most faithful to the original text of Matthew 6:1. This choice not only aligns with the earliest and most reliable manuscript evidence but also with the broader theological emphasis on genuine, internal piety in Matthew’s Gospel.

This investigation into Matthew 6:1 highlights the nuanced understanding required to grasp the full depth of Jesus’ teachings on righteousness. It calls believers to a piety that transcends mere outward observance, challenging them to reflect the kingdom’s values in every aspect of their lives.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).