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)
The phrase "treasures in heaven" isn't just about a future reward; it refers to the character we build through our faithful actions now. It's about how acts of generosity and devotion transform our earthly resources into something eternal, creating an investment where earthly decay and theft have no power.
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)
Jesus has just warned against storing up treasures on earth, emphasizing that earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable. He then contrasts this with the eternal security and value of heavenly treasures, urging his listeners to direct their focus and resources toward what truly lasts. This teaching flows directly from his discourse on avoiding divided loyalties between God and money, urging a singular devotion to God.
Jesus contrasts earthly possessions with heavenly ones. What makes heavenly treasures so secure?
Earthly riches are vulnerable. Moths and rust decay fabric and metal, while thieves can break in and steal physical wealth. These are tangible losses that can happen suddenly and irrevocably.
Heavenly treasures, however, are fundamentally different. They are immune to decay and theft. This security comes from their nature: they are not material but spiritual, eternal, and held in God's presence. This includes things like righteousness, wisdom, a right relationship with God, and the eternal life He offers. These are the true riches that 'do not corrupt' and cannot be taken away.
Jesus doesn't just tell us what heavenly treasures are, but implies how we can acquire them. What does it mean to 'lay up' these treasures?
The phrase 'lay up for yourselves treasures' is an active command. It's about making intentional choices and investments. While the verse doesn't detail the exact mechanics, the context of Jesus' teaching strongly suggests what this investment looks like:
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These actions aren't about earning salvation but about aligning our hearts and lives with God's eternal values, thereby securing our portion in His kingdom.
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 shares the same core teaching, directly linking the selling of possessions and giving of alms to the creation of 'purses that do not wear out' and an 'unfailing treasure in heaven'.
Proverbs 19:17This verse highlights God's promise to repay those who show mercy to the poor, reinforcing the idea that acts of generosity are a secure investment with divine backing.
1 Timothy 6:18-19Paul urges believers to 'be rich in good works,' to be 'generous and ready to share,' directly connecting good deeds with laying up 'a good foundation for the future' and 'taking hold of that which is truly life'.
Colossians 3:1-2This passage calls believers to 'seek the things that are above, where Christ is,' grounding the concept of heavenly treasure in the resurrected life and future hope we have in Christ, not in earthly possessions.
1 Peter 1:4Peter describes our inheritance in heaven as 'imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,' providing a beautiful description of the eternal nature of the treasures Jesus speaks of, contrasting sharply with earthly goods.
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…
The phrase "treasures in heaven" isn't just about a future reward; it refers to the character we build through our faithful actions now. It's about how acts of generosity and devotion transform our earthly resources into something eternal, creating an investment where earthly decay and theft have no power.
Jesus has just warned against storing up treasures on earth, emphasizing that earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable. He then contrasts this with the eternal security and value of heavenly treasures, urging his listeners to direct their focus and resources toward what truly lasts. This teaching flows directly from his discourse on avoiding divided loyalties between God and money, urging a singular devotion to God.
Jesus has just warned against storing up treasures on earth, emphasizing that earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable. He then contrasts this with the eternal security and value of heavenly treasures, urging his listeners to direct their focus and resources toward what truly lasts. This teaching flows directly from his discourse on avoiding divided loyalties between God and money, urging a singular devotion to God.
"but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." — The phrase "treasures in heaven" isn't just about a future reward; it refers to the character we build through our faithful actions now. It's about how acts of generosity and devotion transform our…
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Last reviewed October 2026