when thu doest thine alms] Romans 12:8. do not sound a trumpet before thee] Or, cause not a trumpet to he sounded before thee. Alluding to the manner of calling people together, Numbers 10:3-4. It may be they did use to blowe trumpets when common alms were to be given, that the people might not go up and down begging. But the Pharisees, out of ambition, gave their private alms so, that they might have witnesses to praise them, as well as receivers to thank them. as the hypocrites do] The Pharisees, who are counterfeits, as those that act other mens parts in a comedie. in the synagogues, and in the sheets] They used all means to be known when they gave alms; for they did not blowe trumpets in their own doors, but in synagogues and streets, that all the city might take notice of their charity. they have their reward] Gr. their own reward. Or, have all out their reward. They may make their acquittance, as the word in Greek thence derived signifies, Philippians 4:18. They have all they desire, and all they deserve; to wit, the praise and applause of men, the onely thing that they aimed at.