Matthew 6:20
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Instead of just thinking about what won't be there in heaven, Jesus highlights what will be: permanence and security. He's not just telling us not to hoard earthly goods, but to actively invest in the eternal, where our efforts and generosity are truly safe from any decay or thief. This isn't just about avoiding loss, but about gaining something incorruptible that truly lasts.
Jesus has just warned against storing up earthly treasures that are perishable and vulnerable. He's contrasting the futility of earthly wealth with the enduring value of heavenly riches. This verse then offers the solution: redirect your focus and resources to things that will last eternally, where they are safe from decay and theft.
Jesus paints a stark picture: your possessions on earth are vulnerable, but there's a realm where true value endures forever. What’s the fundamental difference?
Jesus contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly ones by highlighting their inherent insecurity versus eternal security.
Earthly Treasures: Vulnerable and Fleeting
Heavenly Treasures: Secure and Eternal
Jesus tells us where to store our treasures, but what are these heavenly riches? It's not gold bars in the clouds!
The 'treasures in heaven' Jesus refers to aren't literal objects but the eternal consequences of our earthly choices, particularly those rooted in faith and love.
Understand the original words
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.
This passage from Luke directly parallels Matthew 6:20, also urging believers to 'sell your possessions and give to charity' to 'provide purses for yourselves that do not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not fail,' highlighting the theme of securing eternal wealth.
1 Timothy 6:18This verse speaks of believers being 'rich in good works' and being 'ready to be generous,' directly connecting to the idea of laying up treasures in heaven through tangible acts of kindness and generosity described in Matthew.
Proverbs 19:17This proverb states that 'whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,' reinforcing the biblical principle that acts of charity towards those in need are considered an investment with a divine return, echoing Matthew's concept of heavenly treasures.
Colossians 3:1-2Paul encourages believers to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' which speaks to the heart's true treasure, directly aligning with Jesus' teaching that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Peter 1:4This verse describes an inheritance in heaven that is 'imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,' beautifully illustrating the eternal and secure nature of the treasures Jesus speaks of in Matthew, contrasting it with earthly possessions that decay.
pooleMatthew 6:20: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
See Poole on "Matthew 6:21" .
barnesMatthew 6:20: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven - That is, have provision made for your eternal felicity. Do not exhaust your strength and spend your days in providing for the life here, but let your chief anxiety be to be prepared for eternity. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:2 . In heaven nothing corrupts; nothing terminates; no enemies plunder or…
Instead of just thinking about what won't be there in heaven, Jesus highlights what will be: permanence and security. He's not just telling us not to hoard earthly goods, but to actively invest in the eternal, where our efforts and generosity are truly safe from any decay or thief. This isn't just about avoiding loss, but about gaining something incorruptible that truly lasts.
Jesus has just warned against storing up earthly treasures that are perishable and vulnerable. He's contrasting the futility of earthly wealth with the enduring value of heavenly riches. This verse then offers the solution: redirect your focus and resources to things that will last eternally, where they are safe from decay and theft.
Jesus has just warned against storing up earthly treasures that are perishable and vulnerable. He's contrasting the futility of earthly wealth with the enduring value of heavenly riches. This verse then offers the solution: redirect your focus and resources to things that will last eternally, where they are safe from decay and theft.
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Actions with Eternal Significance
The Heart Follows the Treasure
This isn't just about earning points; it's about where our hearts are directed. When we invest in heavenly realities, our affections naturally follow, aligning our lives with God's eternal purposes.
"but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." — Instead of just thinking about what won't be there in heaven, Jesus highlights what will be: permanence and security. He's not just telling us not to hoard earthly goods, but to actively invest i…
