Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

But {G1161} lay up {G2343} for yourselves {G5213} treasures {G2344} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, where {G3699} neither {G3777} moth {G4597} nor {G3777} rust {G1035} doth corrupt {G853}, and {G2532} where {G3699} thieves {G2812} do {G1358} not {G3756} break through {G1358} nor {G3761} steal {G2813}:

Instead, store up for yourselves wealth in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and burglars do not break in or steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Commentary

In Matthew 6:20, Jesus continues His teaching on genuine righteousness from the Sermon on the Mount, urging His followers to prioritize eternal values over fleeting earthly possessions. This verse directly contrasts with the command in Matthew 6:19 not to accumulate treasures on earth, setting up a profound challenge to human priorities.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse (Matthew 6:19-21) where Jesus contrasts two types of "treasures" and their corresponding security. In ancient times, and even today, material wealth was vulnerable. Fine garments were susceptible to destruction by moths, and precious metals or stored goods could be damaged by rust (or general decay/consumption). Furthermore, houses, often built with mud-brick walls, were easily breached by thieves who could "dig through" (as the Greek implies for 'break through') to steal valuables. Jesus uses these common vulnerabilities of earthly wealth to highlight its inherent impermanence and insecurity.

Key Themes

  • Eternal vs. Temporal Value: The core message is the stark contrast between what lasts and what perishes. Earthly treasures, no matter how vast, are ultimately temporary and subject to decay and theft. Heavenly treasures, however, are presented as truly lasting and secure.
  • Security and Permanence: Jesus emphasizes the absolute security of heavenly investments. Unlike earthly goods, spiritual treasures are beyond the reach of natural decay (moth, rust) and human malice (thieves). This speaks to the incorruptible inheritance awaiting believers.
  • Priorities and Allegiance: By commanding believers to "lay up treasures in heaven," Jesus calls for a radical reorientation of priorities. Our focus and efforts should be directed towards accumulating spiritual wealth, which intrinsically links to our ultimate allegiance, as stated in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "lay up" comes from the Greek verb thēsaurizete (θησαυρίζετε), meaning "to store up," "to accumulate," or "to treasure." It implies an intentional and active process of collecting and preserving. This is the same root word as thesauros (θησαυρός), which means "treasure" or "storehouse."
  • The term "rust" (βρῶσις - brōsis) can refer to corrosion, but more broadly, it signifies "eating away" or "consumption," highlighting the destructive nature of decay on material possessions.
  • "Break through" (διορύσσουσι - diorussousi) vividly describes the act of burglars digging through the soft walls of homes common in that era to gain entry, emphasizing the vulnerability of physical security.

Practical Application

To "lay up treasures in heaven" means to invest our time, talents, and resources in ways that serve God's Kingdom and have eternal significance. This can include acts of charity, devotion to God, sharing the Gospel, living righteously, showing compassion, and pursuing spiritual growth. It's not about neglecting earthly responsibilities, but about understanding that true wealth is not found in what we accumulate for ourselves on earth, but in what we contribute to God's eternal purposes. This teaching encourages generosity and a detachment from materialism, reminding us that our ultimate security and fulfillment are found in Christ and His everlasting Kingdom. It echoes the sentiment of Luke 12:33, which speaks of providing "purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 12:33 (22 votes)

    Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

  • Matthew 19:21 (19 votes)

    Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

  • James 2:5 (18 votes)

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • 1 Timothy 6:19 (15 votes)

    Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

  • Luke 18:22 (15 votes)

    Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

  • Revelation 2:9 (13 votes)

    I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

  • Hebrews 11:26 (13 votes)

    Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.