Matthew 6:19-21
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This verse isn't just about avoiding greedy hoarding; it highlights that earthly treasures are inherently unstable. Even the most valuable possessions—whether fine garments eaten by moths, metals corroded by rust, or valuables stolen by burglars digging through weak walls—are destined to decay or disappear.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is shifting from discussing how to pray and give to what we should value, warning against the temptation to hoard earthly wealth. He contrasts the impermanence of material riches, which can be destroyed by pests, decay, or theft, with the lasting nature of heavenly treasures. This teaching directly follows His instruction on not serving two masters, God and money, urging disciples to secure their hearts on what truly endures.
Jesus paints a stark picture of why earthly treasures are so unreliable. It's not just about theft; it's about decay itself.
Jesus highlights the inherent impermanence of earthly riches. He uses vivid imagery to show that even without thieves, wealth is vulnerable:
These aren't just random examples; they represent the slow, inevitable decline and vulnerability that affects everything we accumulate on earth.
Jesus doesn't just say earthly treasures are fragile; he tells us not to 'treasure them up.' There's a significant distinction here.
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The command isn't simply to avoid owning wealth, but to avoid making it the object of your deepest value and pursuit. The original Greek word for 'treasure up' (thesaurizō) implies storing something away for future security and enjoyment, making it the central focus of your planning and affection.
Jesus is speaking against the mindset of accumulating wealth for its own sake, or as the primary source of security and identity. When you 'treasure up' earthly riches:
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.
ouranō · Greek Noun
The eternal dwelling place of God; metaphorically represents the realm of God’s kingdom, where values and rewards are enduring and incorruptible.
thēsauros · Greek Noun
The material possessions, wealth, or resources one gathers and values; in Scripture, it often represents what a person prioritizes and holds as valuable.
kardia · Greek Noun
The metaphorical center of a person's life, encompassing the intellect, emotions, will, and conscience; it is the seat of moral choices and desires.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 6:19-21, urging listeners to 'sell your possessions, and give to charity. And make purses for yourselves that do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.'
1 Timothy 6:10It identifies the 'love of money' as a root of all kinds of evil, reinforcing Jesus' warning against hoarding earthly treasures and the dangers associated with such a pursuit.
James 5:2-3This passage uses the imagery of moth and rust, directly referencing the vulnerability of earthly wealth, to condemn the rich who hoard wealth and oppress the poor.
Proverbs 27:23-24This verse reminds us that earthly riches are not permanent, stating 'Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; Does the crown endure to all generations?' This echoes the impermanence Jesus highlights.
Ecclesiastes 5:10This verse directly addresses the futility of chasing wealth, stating 'Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.' This highlights the insatiable nature of earthly treasure-seeking.
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…
This verse isn't just about avoiding greedy hoarding; it highlights that earthly treasures are inherently unstable. Even the most valuable possessions—whether fine garments eaten by moths, metals corroded by rust, or valuables stolen by burglars digging through weak walls—are destined to decay or disappear.
Jesus is shifting from discussing how to pray and give to what we should value, warning against the temptation to hoard earthly wealth. He contrasts the impermanence of material riches, which can be destroyed by pests, decay, or theft, with the lasting nature of heavenly treasures. This teaching directly follows His instruction on not serving two masters, God and money, urging disciples to secure their hearts on what truly endures.
Jesus is shifting from discussing how to pray and give to what we should value, warning against the temptation to hoard earthly wealth. He contrasts the impermanence of material riches, which can be destroyed by pests, decay, or theft, with the lasting nature of heavenly treasures. This teaching directly follows His instruction on not serving two masters, God and money, urging disciples to secure their hearts on what truly endures.
"“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and s…" — This verse isn't just about avoiding greedy hoarding; it highlights that earthly treasures are inherently unstable. Even the most valuable possessions—whether fine garments eaten by moths, metals cor…
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Last reviewed October 2026
