Matthew 6:20

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

θησαυρίζετε lay up G2343
θησαυρίζετε lay up
Strong's: G2343
Word #: 1 of 19
to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 19
but, and, etc
ὑμῖν for yourselves G5213
ὑμῖν for yourselves
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 3 of 19
to (with or by) you
θησαυροὺς treasures G2344
θησαυροὺς treasures
Strong's: G2344
Word #: 4 of 19
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 5 of 19
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
οὐρανῷ heaven G3772
οὐρανῷ heaven
Strong's: G3772
Word #: 6 of 19
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὅπου where G3699
ὅπου where
Strong's: G3699
Word #: 7 of 19
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
οὔτε neither G3777
οὔτε neither
Strong's: G3777
Word #: 8 of 19
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
σὴς moth G4597
σὴς moth
Strong's: G4597
Word #: 9 of 19
a moth
οὔτε neither G3777
οὔτε neither
Strong's: G3777
Word #: 10 of 19
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
βρῶσις rust G1035
βρῶσις rust
Strong's: G1035
Word #: 11 of 19
(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 19
to render unapparent, i.e., (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅπου where G3699
ὅπου where
Strong's: G3699
Word #: 14 of 19
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
κλέπται thieves G2812
κλέπται thieves
Strong's: G2812
Word #: 15 of 19
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 16 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
διορύσσουσιν break through G1358
διορύσσουσιν break through
Strong's: G1358
Word #: 17 of 19
to penetrate burglariously
οὐδὲ nor G3761
οὐδὲ nor
Strong's: G3761
Word #: 18 of 19
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
κλέπτουσιν· steal G2813
κλέπτουσιν· steal
Strong's: G2813
Word #: 19 of 19
to filch

Cross References

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.James 2:5Hearken, 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?Matthew 19:21Jesus 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.1 Timothy 6:19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.Hebrews 11:26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.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.Revelation 2:9I 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.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;1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Isaiah 33:6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus contrasts earthly with heavenly treasure: 'But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal' (Greek: θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, 'treasure up treasures in heaven'). Heavenly treasures are invulnerable to decay or theft - eternal and secure. What constitutes heavenly treasure? Acts of mercy, generosity to the poor, sacrificial love, faithfulness to God - investments in eternal realities rather than temporal comforts. The same verb θησαυρίζω is used, but the location shifts everything. This is wise stewardship - investing in what endures.

Historical Context

Jewish thought recognized rewards for righteousness (Daniel 12:3, Malachi 3:16-17), but Jesus emphasizes present action determining eternal outcome. His teaching resembles Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai's later saying: 'If you have done much in the study of Torah, they give you much reward... and faithful is your employer who shall pay you the reward of your labor; and know that the grant of reward unto the righteous is in the age to come.' Early Christians practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:45, 4:32-37), living out this heavenly treasure ethic.

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