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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 6:19, Jesus delivers a profound admonition within His Sermon on the Mount, cautioning His followers against the accumulation of earthly treasures. He highlights the inherent impermanence and vulnerability of material wealth, which is susceptible to natural decay by "moth and rust" and external loss through "thieves." This verse serves as a foundational call to re-evaluate priorities, urging disciples to shift their focus from transient worldly possessions to values and investments that possess eternal security and significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated centrally within [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), Jesus' seminal discourse on kingdom ethics and true righteousness, spanning Matthew chapters 5-7. Specifically, it falls within a section (Matthew 6:19-34) where Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly priorities, immediately following His teachings on private spiritual disciplines—giving, prayer, and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18). The prohibition against laying up earthly treasures directly precedes and sets the stage for the positive command to [lay up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven") and the profound declaration that [where one's treasure is, there their heart will be also](/matthew/6-21 "Matthew 6:21 - Treasure and Heart"). This sequence underscores a deliberate rhetorical and theological contrast, guiding listeners from outward religious performance to an internal reorientation of their deepest affections and allegiances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish world, "treasures" often included valuable textiles (like fine garments, tapestries, and costly linens) and precious metals (gold, silver, bronze). These were primary forms of accumulated wealth and investment. The "moth" (Gk. _sēs_) was a common pest that destroyed woolen and linen garments, rendering them worthless. "Rust" (Gk. _brōsis_, literally "eating" or "corrosion") referred to the decay of metals, particularly iron and copper, which would diminish their value. Homes were frequently constructed with mud-brick walls, making them relatively easy for "thieves" to "break through" (Gk. _diorýssō_, literally "to dig through") to steal valuables. This imagery was not abstract but rooted in the tangible realities and vulnerabilities of daily life for people in that agrarian society, making Jesus' warning immediately relatable and impactful regarding the precariousness of their material security.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **impermanence and insecurity of earthly wealth**. Jesus uses vivid, relatable imagery to demonstrate that no material possession, no matter how valuable or carefully guarded, can offer true or lasting security. This highlights the **futility of placing ultimate trust in worldly possessions**. A secondary, yet crucial, theme is the **re-evaluation of priorities and values**. By commanding "Lay not up," Jesus challenges the inherent human tendency to accumulate and find security in material things, urging a fundamental shift in perspective. This directly contributes to the broader theme of **kingdom values versus worldly values** that permeates the entire Sermon on the Mount, culminating in the call to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking God's Kingdom First") and trust in God's provision rather than earthly anxieties (Matthew 6:25-34).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lay up (Greek, _thēsaurízō'_):** From the noun for "treasure," this verb means "to amass or reserve," "to store up," or "to heap treasure together." It implies a deliberate, intentional act of accumulating and safeguarding wealth. Jesus' command "Lay not up" is a strong prohibition against this very act when directed towards earthly possessions as one's ultimate security or purpose.
* **Treasures (Greek, _thēsaurós'_):** This noun refers to a "deposit," "storehouse," "treasury," or "accumulated wealth," whether literal or figurative. In this context, it refers to material possessions, valuables, and riches that people collect and hold dear. The term encompasses anything considered valuable enough to be stored and protected.
* **Corrupt (Greek, _aphanízō'_):** This verb means "to render unapparent," "to consume," "to disfigure," "to perish," or "to vanish away." It describes the process of destruction or decay that diminishes or obliterates the value of the earthly treasures. This word powerfully conveys the transient and decaying nature of all material things, whether through natural processes like moth and rust or through human actions like theft.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition. The phrase "for yourselves" underscores the self-centered nature of such accumulation, suggesting that the primary motivation is personal gain, security, or status. "Treasures upon earth" specifies the object of the prohibition: any form of wealth or possession that belongs to this temporal, physical world. The command challenges the very human instinct to hoard and find security in material things.
* **"where moth and rust doth corrupt":** This clause provides the first reason for the prohibition, highlighting the internal and natural vulnerabilities of earthly treasures. "Moth" (Gk. _sēs_) refers to insects that destroy textiles, a common form of wealth. "Rust" (Gk. _brōsis_) refers to the corrosion of metals, another significant form of stored wealth. "Doth corrupt" (Gk. _aphanízō_) emphasizes the inevitable process of decay and destruction that diminishes the value and integrity of these possessions over time, rendering them useless or worthless.
* **"and where thieves break through and steal":** This second clause provides an external, human threat to earthly treasures. "Thieves" (Gk. _kléptēs_) represent the danger of human avarice and crime. "Break through" (Gk. _diorýssō_) literally means "to dig through," referring to the common practice of burglars digging through the soft mud-brick walls of homes in that region. "And steal" (Gk. _kléptō_) signifies the complete loss of the accumulated wealth. Together, these two clauses present a comprehensive picture of the inherent insecurity of earthly possessions, whether from natural decay or human maliciousness.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey His message with clarity and force. **Parallelism** is evident in the two distinct but complementary reasons given for not storing up earthly treasures: "where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal." This structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of the threat to material wealth. **Imagery** is vividly used through the concrete examples of "moth," "rust," and "thieves breaking through," which paint a clear and relatable picture of decay and loss, making the abstract concept of impermanence tangible. The use of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** can be seen in "moth and rust" representing all forms of natural decay and "thieves" representing all external threats to security. Finally, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about the nature of earthly possessions, designed to guide behavior and reorient values.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:19 is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching on discipleship, challenging the deeply ingrained human tendency to find security and identity in material wealth. Theologically, it asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all possessions and calls for a radical reorientation of the heart from self-centered accumulation to God-centered stewardship. It implicitly critiques idolatry, where wealth becomes a god, demanding allegiance and trust that rightly belong only to the Creator. The verse sets the stage for the profound truth that true security and lasting value are found not in what we possess, but in our relationship with God and our investment in His eternal kingdom. This teaching is not an condemnation of wealth itself, but of the heart's posture towards it—its accumulation as an end in itself, rather than as a means for God's purposes.

* [Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Selling Possessions and Treasure in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6-10 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment and the Love of Money")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - Contentment and God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world often defined by consumerism, materialism, and the relentless pursuit of financial security, Matthew 6:19 remains profoundly challenging and relevant. It compels us to undertake a rigorous self-examination: Where are we truly investing our time, energy, and resources? Are we building up a portfolio of possessions and achievements that are ultimately transient and vulnerable to the "moth and rust" of economic downturns, technological obsolescence, or even personal loss? Or are we investing in things that possess eternal significance—our character, our relationships, the spiritual well-being of others, and the advancement of God's kingdom? Jesus' words are a call to liberation from the anxiety and bondage that often accompany the accumulation of wealth, reminding us that true security is found not in what we hold in our hands, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It encourages a lifestyle of generosity, detachment from material things, and a deep trust in divine provision, redirecting our deepest desires and affections towards the imperishable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures" in my life am I currently laying up on earth, and how vulnerable are they to "moth and rust" or "thieves"?**
* **How does my daily spending, saving, and financial planning reflect my true priorities? Am I investing in the temporary or the eternal?**
* **What anxieties or fears do I experience related to my material possessions, and how might shifting my focus to heavenly treasures alleviate these?**
* **In what practical ways can I reorient my heart and resources to align more closely with Jesus' teaching on eternal investment?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus' teaching mean that all saving or accumulating wealth is inherently wrong?**

Answer: No, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19 is not a blanket condemnation of all saving or the possession of wealth. The emphasis is on the **heart's posture** towards wealth and the **purpose** of accumulation. The phrase "lay not up for yourselves" (Gk. _thēsaurízō_) suggests a self-centered accumulation, where wealth becomes an end in itself or the primary source of security and identity. The problem is not wealth itself, but the idolatry of wealth—making it one's ultimate treasure. The Bible elsewhere encourages wise stewardship, providing for one's family ([1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own")), and even saving for future needs (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Ant's Diligence")). The core message here is to prioritize eternal, spiritual values over perishable material ones, recognizing that true security and lasting satisfaction come from God, not from earthly possessions.

**How does this verse relate to modern financial planning and retirement savings?**

Answer: Matthew 6:19 challenges the underlying motivation and ultimate trust placed in modern financial planning. It doesn't forbid prudent planning or saving for retirement, but it warns against making such plans the ultimate source of one's security or identity. For a Christian, financial planning should be an act of faithful stewardship, not an act of idolatry. This means recognizing that all resources belong to God, and our plans should align with His kingdom purposes. It encourages generosity, a willingness to use resources for others, and a trust that God is the ultimate provider, even amidst economic uncertainties. The goal is to hold earthly resources loosely, understanding their temporary nature, while investing wholeheartedly in the imperishable "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20), which include acts of love, justice, and devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:19, with its stark warning against earthly accumulation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself embodied the principle of not laying up treasures on earth. Though He was rich, He [became poor for our sakes](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), choosing a life of humility and dependence on the Father, famously stating that [the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head"). His entire ministry was an investment in spiritual, eternal treasures—preaching the kingdom of God, healing the sick, and ultimately offering Himself as the supreme sacrifice. He taught His disciples to [deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up One's Cross"), demonstrating that true life is found in losing one's life for His sake and the gospel's. The imperishable treasure that Jesus offers is not material wealth, but [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") and an [inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"). By His atoning work, Christ secured for believers the ultimate "treasure"—reconciliation with God and participation in His glorious, eternal kingdom, a treasure that "moth and rust" cannot corrupt, and "thieves" cannot steal.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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!