“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just talking about gold and jewels; he's highlighting that any earthly treasure, even valuable garments or preserved food, is vulnerable to decay and theft. This emphasizes the impermanence of all material things, urging us to invest in what truly lasts beyond this world.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is continuing his teaching on true righteousness, directly addressing the disciples' relationship with material possessions and money. He's just warned against practicing religious duties for show, and now he's shifting to highlight the danger of making wealth a central focus, which he'll contrast with storing up treasures in heaven.
Jesus paints a vivid picture of why our earthly riches can't be trusted. What makes 'treasures on earth' so unreliable?
Jesus highlights the inherent insecurity of earthly possessions. He uses specific examples that would resonate with his listeners:
These examples aren't just about physical decay; they point to the transient and uncertain nature of all earthly things. They can be lost through accidents, neglect, or the actions of others. Our material possessions are on loan, not guaranteed.
Jesus doesn't just warn against earthly treasures, but against how we relate to them. What's the subtle danger in 'laying up for yourselves'?
The phrase 'lay not up for yourselves' (or 'treasure not to yourselves') is crucial. It’s not a prohibition against having wealth, but against making it the or source of security.
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Understand the original words
thēsaurous · Greek Noun
Valuable possessions or wealth; in a spiritual sense, it refers to that which holds true, eternal value and significance in the sight of God.
gē · Greek Noun
The material world as opposed to the spiritual or eternal realm; it signifies the temporary, perishable nature of earthly life and its pursuits.
Jesus' words about earthly treasures resonate deeply within the context of ancient Near Eastern life, where wealth was often stored in tangible, vulnerable forms like fine garments and buried valuables, making them susceptible to the very decay and theft he describes.
c. 28 BC - AD 6
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod the Great's ambitious building projects and political maneuvering created an environment of both great wealth and significant instability in Judea.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and gathering disciples across Galilee and Judea. This period is the setting for the Sermon on the Mount.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christian faith, Jesus' death and resurrection, profoundly shaped the worldview and priorities of his followers.
c. AD 40-50
Early Church Growth and Expansion
The fledgling Christian movement spreads rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, facing both internal challenges and external persecution.
c. AD 62
Destruction of Jerusalem Predicted
Jesus' prophecies regarding the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (Matthew 24) would have been a stark reminder of the impermanence of earthly structures and wealth.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 6:19-21, urging believers to 'sell your possessions and give to the needy,' highlighting the theme of heavenly treasures over earthly security.
James 5:2-3James echoes the imagery of perishable earthly wealth by describing how 'your riches have rotted, and your many clothes are moth-eaten,' reinforcing the impermanence of material possessions.
Proverbs 23:4-5This wisdom text warns against wearing oneself out to gain wealth, stating that riches 'take wing to themselves like an eagle toward heaven,' underscoring their unreliability.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse identifies the 'love of money' as a root of all kinds of evil, directly linking the pursuit of earthly treasures to potential spiritual harm, which Jesus implies by warning against their corruption and theft.
Matthew 6:24This verse immediately follows Matthew 6:19 and establishes the inherent conflict between serving God and serving wealth ('money'), illustrating why earthly treasures are such a dangerous focus.
vincentMatthew 6:19: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"
Lay not up treasures (μὴ θησαυρίξετε)Lit., treasure not treasures. So Wyc., Do not treasure to you treasures. The beautiful legend of St. Thomas and Gondoforus is told by Mrs. Jameson ("Sacred and Legendary Art"): "When St. Thomas was at Caesarea, our Lord appeared to him and said, 'The king of the Indies, Gondoforus, hath sent his provost, Abanes, to se…
bensonMatthew 6:19: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"
Matthew 6:19-21 . Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth — Our Lord here makes a transition from religious to common actions, and warns us of another snare, the love of money and earthly things, as inconsistent with purity of intention as the love of praise: where moth and rust doth corrupt, &c. — Where all things are perishable and transient. “In…
Jesus isn't just talking about gold and jewels; he's highlighting that any earthly treasure, even valuable garments or preserved food, is vulnerable to decay and theft. This emphasizes the impermanence of all material things, urging us to invest in what truly lasts beyond this world.
Jesus is continuing his teaching on true righteousness, directly addressing the disciples' relationship with material possessions and money. He's just warned against practicing religious duties for show, and now he's shifting to highlight the danger of making wealth a central focus, which he'll contrast with storing up treasures in heaven.
Jesus is continuing his teaching on true righteousness, directly addressing the disciples' relationship with material possessions and money. He's just warned against practicing religious duties for show, and now he's shifting to highlight the danger of making wealth a central focus, which he'll contrast with storing up treasures in heaven.
"“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal," — Jesus isn't just talking about gold and jewels; he's highlighting that any earthly treasure, even valuable garments or preserved food, is vulnerable to decay and theft. This emphasizes the imperman…
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Last reviewed October 2026