Matthew 6:21

KJV

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} where {G3699} your {G5216} treasure {G2344} is {G2076}, there {G1563} will {G2071} your {G5216} heart {G2588} be {G2071} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.

Berean Standard Bible

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

American Standard Version

for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:21 delivers a profound and concise declaration from Jesus, asserting a fundamental principle of human motivation and devotion: our deepest affections and ultimate allegiance are inextricably linked to whatever we value most. This verse serves as a climactic summary of Jesus' teaching on earthly versus heavenly treasures, revealing that the true orientation of one's heart is not merely a matter of sentiment but a direct consequence of where one invests their resources, time, and aspirations. It challenges us to examine the true object of our devotion, for our spiritual and moral compass will inevitably point towards that which we deem our ultimate "treasure."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7"), specifically within His broader discourse on authentic piety and the nature of true discipleship. It immediately follows His direct commands regarding the accumulation of wealth: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures")). Verse 21 acts as the explanatory "for" (Greek: _gar_) that undergirds these commands, providing the theological rationale: the heart's disposition follows the treasure. This principle then sets the stage for the subsequent teachings on the "eye being the lamp of the body" ([Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")) and the impossibility of [serving two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving God and Mammon"), namely God and mammon ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Mammon")). The entire section from [Matthew 6:19-34](/matthew/6-19-34 "Matthew 6:19-34 - Do Not Worry") forms a cohesive unit on priorities, trust, and anxiety, with verse 21 as its central axiom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, wealth was primarily stored in tangible forms such as precious metals (gold, silver), valuable garments, or grain. These forms of wealth were highly susceptible to various threats: moths could destroy fabrics, rust (or corrosion) could degrade metals, and thieves were a constant menace, breaking into homes or storehouses. There were no banks in the modern sense, so personal security of one's assets was a significant concern. Jesus' audience, largely agrarian and often poor, would have understood the precariousness of earthly possessions. Furthermore, the Jewish understanding of the "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_ or _levav_) was not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's entire being—intellect, will, and moral character. Thus, when Jesus speaks of the heart, He is referring to the very essence of a person's identity and direction in life, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament wisdom literature and prophetic teachings.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Priorities and Values**, challenging disciples to evaluate what truly holds their ultimate allegiance. Secondly, it illuminates the **Nature of the Heart**, presenting it as the control center of one's life, whose orientation is determined by the object of its "treasure." This aligns with the Old Testament emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart")). Thirdly, it reinforces the **Dichotomy of Heavenly vs. Earthly Treasure**, a central contrast in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing that true and lasting security is found in eternal, spiritual investments rather than transient material ones. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **True Security and Fulfillment**, suggesting that genuine contentment and purpose are found not in accumulation but in alignment with God's eternal purposes, foreshadowing the exhortation to [seek first the kingdom of God](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **treasure (Greek, _thēsaurós'_):** From G2344, this word refers to a deposit, meaning wealth, whether literal or figurative. It can denote a storehouse where valuables are kept or the valuables themselves. In this context, it encompasses anything one considers supremely valuable and invests in, be it material possessions, reputation, power, or even spiritual pursuits.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** From G2588, this term refers to the heart, but figuratively, it signifies the thoughts or feelings, the mind, and by analogy, the middle or core. In biblical usage, the "heart" is the center of one's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the core of human personality and the source of all intentions and actions.
* **where (Greek, _hópou'_):** From G3699, this word means "whatsoever where" or "at whichever spot." It emphasizes the specific location or object of one's treasure, directly linking it to the subsequent location of the heart. The implication is a direct and inevitable correlation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For where your treasure is":** This initial clause establishes the premise. The conjunction "For" (Greek: _gar_) indicates that this statement provides the reason or explanation for the preceding commands (to lay up treasures in heaven). "Your treasure" refers to whatever you deem most valuable, whatever you invest your life into, whatever you protect and pursue. It is the ultimate object of your desire and security. The phrase "where...is" points to the location or object of this ultimate value.
* **"there will your heart be also":** This second clause presents the inevitable consequence of the premise. The "there" directly corresponds to the "where" of the treasure. The "heart" (Greek: _kardia_) signifies the innermost being—the intellect, will, emotions, and moral core. Jesus declares that this core self, with all its affections, thoughts, and motivations, will naturally gravitate towards and be bound up with whatever one considers their "treasure." It is an inescapable spiritual law: our deepest self follows our deepest investment.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in Matthew 6:21 to convey His message with clarity and impact. The primary device is **Cause and Effect**, where the location of one's treasure (the cause) directly determines the location and orientation of one's heart (the effect). This is presented as an immutable spiritual law. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metaphor**, with "treasure" standing in for anything of ultimate value and "heart" representing the core of one's being, including affections, will, and intellect. The structure also exhibits a subtle form of **Chiasmus** or a balanced parallelism (A-B-B'-A'): "where your treasure is" (A - location of treasure, B - treasure) and "there your heart will be also" (B' - heart, A' - location of heart). While not a perfect chiasm, the mirrored structure emphasizes the unbreakable link between the two concepts. Finally, the verse functions as an **Axiom** or a self-evident truth, presented by Jesus as a foundational principle for understanding human motivation and spiritual priorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:21 is a foundational theological statement that transcends mere financial advice, delving into the very nature of human worship and allegiance. It reveals that our ultimate "treasure" is, in essence, our god. Whatever we pursue, protect, and prioritize above all else is what truly commands our heart's devotion, whether that be material wealth, reputation, power, or even self-righteousness. This principle exposes the insidious nature of idolatry, which is not merely bowing down to physical idols but allowing anything other than God to occupy the supreme place in our affections and motivations. Jesus' teaching here calls for a radical reorientation of our lives, from self-centered accumulation to God-centered stewardship, recognizing that true security and lasting joy are found only when our hearts are fully aligned with the eternal Kingdom of God.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart with All Diligence")
* [Luke 12:34](/luke/12-34 "Luke 12:34 - For Where Your Treasure Is")
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Affection on Things Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:21 serves as a profound diagnostic tool for the human soul, prompting us to honestly examine the true objects of our affection and investment. If our "treasure" is primarily earthly—our career, possessions, social status, comfort, or even our own reputation—then our heart, our deepest thoughts, anxieties, and aspirations, will inevitably be tethered to these fleeting things. This leads to a life characterized by worry, fear of loss, and an insatiable desire for more, as earthly treasures are inherently insecure and unsatisfying. Conversely, if our treasure is in heaven—investing in God's kingdom through acts of worship, service, generosity, and seeking righteousness—then our heart will be aligned with eternal realities, fostering peace, contentment, and a profound sense of purpose. This verse challenges us to intentionally and consistently redirect our time, energy, and resources towards that which truly lasts, allowing our hearts to be captivated by Christ and His eternal purposes, rather than being enslaved by the perishable allure of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I consistently spend the majority of my time, energy, and financial resources? What does this reveal about my true "treasure"?**
* **What are my deepest anxieties and fears? Are they primarily related to earthly losses or eternal matters?**
* **If my heart is currently fixated on earthly treasures, what specific, practical steps can I take this week to reorient my investments and affections towards heavenly ones?**

### FAQ

**What does "treasure" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 6:21, "treasure" (Greek: _thēsaurós_) refers to anything that one values supremely, holds dear, and invests their life into. It's not limited to money or material possessions but encompasses anything that holds ultimate significance for an individual. This could include wealth, reputation, power, status, comfort, relationships, personal achievements, or even spiritual pursuits if they become an end in themselves rather than a means to glorify God. Jesus is pointing to the ultimate object of one's desire and security, the thing around which one's life is organized.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of serving God and mammon?**

Answer: Matthew 6:21 is the foundational principle that directly leads to Jesus' later statement in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Mammon"): "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Verse 21 explains *why* you cannot serve two masters. If your "treasure" (the object of your ultimate value and devotion) is earthly wealth ("mammon"), then your "heart" (your core being, allegiances, and affections) will be fixed on it. This fixation makes it impossible to simultaneously have your heart fully devoted to God. The two are mutually exclusive because they demand competing allegiances and priorities. Your treasure dictates your master.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a moral imperative, but as a profound truth embodied and exemplified by Jesus Himself, and made possible for believers through Him. Jesus' entire life was a living demonstration of where His treasure and heart lay: entirely with the Father and His kingdom. He possessed no earthly wealth ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), consistently prioritized the will of God over personal comfort or gain ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - My Food Is to Do the Will of Him Who Sent Me")), and ultimately gave His life as the supreme act of obedience and love ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - He Humbled Himself and Became Obedient to Death")). His "treasure" was the redemption of humanity and the establishment of God's eternal reign. For believers, Christ is the ultimate "treasure" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). When we truly understand and embrace the immeasurable worth of Christ and His finished work, our hearts are supernaturally drawn to Him. The Holy Spirit enables us to "set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth" ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Mind on Things Above")), transforming our desires so that our deepest longings align with God's eternal purposes, making it possible to live out the truth of Matthew 6:21 by treasuring Christ above all else.

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

Colossians 3:1

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Luke 12:34

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Isaiah 33:6

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.