Matthew 6:19

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Lay {G2343} not {G3361} up {G2343} for yourselves {G5213} treasures {G2344} upon {G1909} earth {G1093}, where {G3699} moth {G4597} and {G2532} rust {G1035} doth corrupt {G853}, and {G2532} where {G3699} thieves {G2812} break through {G1358} and {G2532} steal {G2813}:

"Do not store up for yourselves wealth here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:19 (KJV): "¶ ‹Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:›"

This powerful admonition from Jesus, delivered during His transformative Sermon on the Mount, challenges listeners to re-evaluate their priorities concerning wealth and security. It serves as a foundational principle for understanding true lasting value.

Context

This verse is an integral part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), a comprehensive teaching on righteousness and discipleship. Specifically, it falls within a section where Jesus contrasts earthly values with heavenly ones, following His instructions on prayer, fasting, and giving alms. It sets the stage for the direct contrast with laying up treasures in heaven and the profound truth that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). The teaching emphasizes a shift from a materialistic focus to a spiritual one, urging disciples to consider the ultimate destination of their devotion.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Earthly Riches: Jesus highlights the inherent impermanence and vulnerability of material possessions. The imagery of "moth and rust" (symbolizing decay, especially for textiles and metals) and "thieves" (representing sudden, external loss) powerfully illustrates that no earthly treasure is truly secure or lasting. These elements directly attack the value and longevity of accumulated wealth.
  • A Call to Re-evaluate Priorities: The command "Lay not up" is a direct prohibition against accumulating wealth for its own sake or placing ultimate security in it. It encourages a deeper introspection into what truly holds value in one's life, challenging the common human tendency to hoard.
  • Contrast with Eternal Value: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verse (Matthew 6:20) makes clear the implied contrast: earthly treasures are perishable, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This sets up the broader theme of choosing between a temporal and an eternal perspective on wealth and security.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "treasures" is θησαυρούς (*thēsauros*), which refers to a storehouse, a treasury, or accumulated wealth. It implies a deliberate act of hoarding or saving valuable items. The verb "lay up" (θησαυρίζετε - *thēsaurizete*) means to accumulate or store up, reinforcing the idea of intentional collection. The terms "moth" (σής - *sēs*) and "rust" (βρῶσις - *brōsis*, also meaning "eating" or "corrosion") vividly describe the natural processes of decay that diminish material goods. "Break through" (διορύσσουσιν - *diorussousin*) literally means to dig through, referring to the common practice of thieves digging through mud-brick walls, which were typical constructions in that region.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant in a consumer-driven world. It challenges believers to examine where they are investing their time, energy, and resources. Are we building up possessions that are transient and ultimately unsatisfying, or are we investing in things that have eternal significance? This includes not only financial wealth but also our aspirations, ambitions, and sources of security. Jesus' words encourage a shift from self-centered accumulation to God-centered stewardship, recognizing that true security and lasting joy are found not in what we possess, but in our relationship with God and our contribution to His kingdom. It reminds us that our heart will inevitably follow our treasure, urging us to fix our gaze on what truly lasts, as seen in the broader teachings about seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  • 1 John 2:15

    Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • 1 John 2:16

    For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

  • Luke 12:21

    So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

  • Proverbs 23:4

    ¶ Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

  • Proverbs 23:5

    Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

  • Proverbs 16:16

    ¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

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