17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
17 If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face.
17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 6:17
Commentary on Matthew 6:16-18
(Read Matthew 6:16-18)
Religious fasting is a duty required of the disciples of Christ, but it is not so much a duty itself, as a means to dispose us for other duties. Fasting is the humbling of the soul, Psalm 35:13; that is the inside of the duty; let that, therefore, be thy principal care, and as to the outside of it, covet not to let it be seen. God sees in secret, and will reward openly.