King James Bible
"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:"
Jesus addresses the practice of giving to the poor, a central Jewish religious duty. The 'but' contrasts with the hypocrites' public displays described in the previous verse, signaling a shift to the proper approach to charitable giving. This vivid metaphor emphasizes radical secrecy in giving—so private that even parts of oneself are unaware. The hyperbolic language underscores that charitable acts should be done without self-consciousness or calculation for personal gain.