King James Bible
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Jesus establishes a contrast between genuine prayer and hypocritical prayer. The term 'hypocrites' originally meant stage actors, suggesting these individuals are performing religion rather than practicing it authentically. Public prayer locations—synagogues and street corners—were chosen strategically for maximum visibility. The motive is exposed: their prayer is directed toward human audience rather than God, revealing prayer as a tool for social status. Jesus pronounces a sobering verdict using commercial language—they have received payment in full. The human applause they sought is all they will receive, as their theatrical prayers never reached heaven's throne.