Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
θησαυροὺς
treasures
G2344
θησαυροὺς
treasures
Strong's:
G2344
Word #:
4 of 18
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 18
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βρῶσις
rust
G1035
βρῶσις
rust
Strong's:
G1035
Word #:
11 of 18
(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)
ἀφανίζει
doth corrupt
G853
ἀφανίζει
doth corrupt
Strong's:
G853
Word #:
12 of 18
to render unapparent, i.e., (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 13:5Let 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.Luke 12:21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.Proverbs 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Proverbs 11:4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Luke 18:22Now 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.Luke 12:33Sell 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.Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.Psalms 62:10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.Psalms 39:6Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, wealth consisted largely of grain stores, clothing, precious metals, and land. Moths destroying expensive garments was serious loss. Homes with mud-brick walls were vulnerable to thieves digging through (the Greek 'break through' literally means 'dig through'). Without modern banking or insurance, wealth preservation was precarious. Jesus' teaching challenged both poverty-stricken peasants dreaming of wealth and wealthy landowners hoarding it. His audience included both extremes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our consumer culture's emphasis on accumulation conflict with Jesus' command?
- What are modern equivalents of 'moths, rust, and thieves' that threaten earthly treasures?
- How can we use material resources without making them our treasure or source of security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands a radical reorientation of values: 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal' (Greek: μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, 'do not treasure up treasures upon the earth'). The verb θησαυρίζω means to store up or accumulate. Jesus identifies three threats to earthly wealth: moths (destroying clothing/fabric), rust (βρῶσις, literally 'eating,' possibly oxidation or vermin), and thieves. All earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable. The command isn't against possessions per se but against accumulation as life's organizing principle. Security sought in material wealth is illusory.