Matthew 6:20-21
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)
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This verse isn't just about where to store your wealth, but emphasizes the nature of heavenly treasures. Unlike earthly riches that decay or are stolen, these celestial treasures are described as incorruptible and secure, directly linked to the actions and character we cultivate through faith.
Jesus is contrasting earthly possessions with heavenly riches, following his teaching about not serving two masters (God and money). He's just warned against hoarding wealth that can be lost to decay or theft, urging his listeners to shift their focus and priorities. This verse then pivots to the secure and lasting nature of treasures laid up in heaven.
Jesus contrasts earthly possessions with heavenly ones. Why is heaven a place of ultimate security?
Jesus highlights the insecurity of earthly treasures. Moths and rust can decay what we own, and thieves can steal it. These things are temporary and vulnerable.
Heaven, however, is different. The treasures we lay up there are untouchable by these forces. They are secure because they exist in God's eternal realm, beyond the reach of decay, loss, or theft. This isn't about physical objects, but about the eternal value of our actions and our relationship with God.
How do we actually 'lay up treasures in heaven'? It's more than just thinking about it!
Jesus' call to 'lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven' is an active one. It means directing our resources, time, and energy towards things that have eternal value.
This involves investing in God's kingdom through acts of generosity, love, and faithfulness. When we share what we have with others, especially the needy, or when we dedicate ourselves to righteous living and serving God, we are essentially depositing into our heavenly account. These actions are what truly secure our eternal reward.
Jesus connects where our treasure is with where our heart is. What does this mean for our priorities?
The core principle Jesus reveals is the inseparable link between our treasure and our heart's affection. If our treasures are earthly—money, possessions, status—our hearts will inevitably be consumed by them. We'll worry about losing them, protect them fiercely, and derive our security from them.
Conversely, when we invest in heavenly treasures, our hearts naturally turn towards God and His eternal purposes. This reorientation is key to true contentment and freedom from the anxieties of this world. It's a fundamental shift in what we value most, leading to a life lived with eternal perspective.
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.
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 Jesus' teaching, urging listeners to sell possessions and give alms to secure a 'treasure in heaven that does not fail,' reinforcing the idea of heavenly wealth being eternal and secure.
1 Timothy 6:17-19Paul echoes the theme by instructing the wealthy not to trust in riches but to be 'rich in good works' and 'generous,' laying up a 'good foundation for the future' in heaven, connecting good deeds with eternal reward.
Proverbs 19:17This verse highlights that kindness to the poor is like lending to the Lord, who will repay, providing a strong Old Testament basis for the concept that acts of generosity are stored as treasures with God.
Colossians 3:1-2Paul calls believers to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' which directly supports Jesus' call to invest in heavenly treasures by shifting our affections and focus away from earthly possessions.
1 Peter 1:3-4This passage describes our inheritance in heaven as 'living hope' and 'imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,' which perfectly aligns with the enduring, incorruptible nature of the treasures Jesus describes.
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…
This verse isn't just about where to store your wealth, but emphasizes the nature of heavenly treasures. Unlike earthly riches that decay or are stolen, these celestial treasures are described as incorruptible and secure, directly linked to the actions and character we cultivate through faith.
Jesus is contrasting earthly possessions with heavenly riches, following his teaching about not serving two masters (God and money). He's just warned against hoarding wealth that can be lost to decay or theft, urging his listeners to shift their focus and priorities. This verse then pivots to the secure and lasting nature of treasures laid up in heaven.
Jesus is contrasting earthly possessions with heavenly riches, following his teaching about not serving two masters (God and money). He's just warned against hoarding wealth that can be lost to decay or theft, urging his listeners to shift their focus and priorities. This verse then pivots to the secure and lasting nature of treasures laid up in heaven.
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"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." — This verse isn't just about where to store your wealth, but emphasizes the nature of heavenly treasures. Unlike earthly riches that decay or are stolen, these celestial treasures are described as…
