### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mammōnâs**, represented by `{{G3126}}`, refers to wealth personified as **mammon**. It is of Chaldee origin and carries the sense of confidence or avarice deified. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently highlighting a choice between spiritual and material devotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3126}}` is consistently framed as a master in opposition to God. It establishes a principle of exclusive allegiance, stating that no one **can** `{{G1410}}` **serve** `{{G1398}}` **two** `{{G1417}}` masters; one cannot **serve** `{{G1398}}` **God** `{{G2316}}` and **mammon** ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]). The term is also used in the phrase "the **mammon** of **unrighteousness**" `{{G93}}` [[Luke 16:9]], suggesting that earthly wealth is inherently tainted. Faithfulness in handling this "**unrighteous** `{{G94}}` **mammon**" is presented as a prerequisite for being entrusted with "the **true** `{{G228}}` riches" [[Luke 16:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the challenge posed by mammon:
* `{{G1398}}` **douleúō** (to be a slave to): This verb is central to the concept of mammon, defining the impossibility of divided loyalty. One cannot **serve** both God and mammon ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]).
* `{{G93}}` **adikía** (iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong): This term qualifies mammon, describing it as the "mammon of **unrighteousness**," which can nevertheless be used to secure "everlasting **habitations** `{{G4633}}`" [[Luke 16:9]].
* `{{G4103}}` **pistós** (objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful): This word establishes a key contrast. Being **faithful** in the "unrighteous mammon" is the test for who will be **commit**ted `{{G4100}}` with true riches [[Luke 16:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3126}}` is centered on the nature of worship and allegiance.
* **Exclusive Allegiance:** The primary teaching surrounding `{{G3126}}` is the impossibility of dual lordship. A person must choose to either **love** `{{G25}}` one master and **hate** `{{G3404}}` the other, or **despise** `{{G2706}}` one for the other; one cannot **serve** both ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]).
* **Stewardship and Trust:** Earthly wealth, described as "**unrighteous** `{{G94}}` mammon," serves as a proving ground. How one manages these lesser things determines their fitness to be entrusted with "the **true** `{{G228}}` riches" [[Luke 16:11]].
* **Redemptive Use of Wealth:** Despite its unrighteous nature, mammon can be leveraged for eternal gain. By using it to make **friends** `{{G5384}}`, one can be **receive**d `{{G1209}}` into "everlasting **habitations** `{{G4633}}`" when earthly things **fail** `{{G1587}}` [[Luke 16:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3126}}` portrays wealth not as a neutral resource, but as a deified power demanding worship and service. Its usage in scripture forces a decision, presenting a stark contrast between serving **God** `{{G2316}}` and being a slave to **mammon**. The concept challenges believers to examine their loyalties and steward their material possessions with an eternal perspective, proving their faithfulness with temporary wealth to be entrusted with what is truly lasting.
TRV