Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:19

What does Matthew 6:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:19 means

Jesus shifts focus from righteous practices to the true priority of one's life, starting with a warning against materialism. He advises against accumulating earthly possessions as one's ultimate treasure. Earthly treasures are inherently perishable and vulnerable; they can be destroyed by moth and rust, and stolen by thieves. This highlights the temporary and insecure nature of worldly wealth, making it an unreliable source of lasting security or joy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Make no store of wealth for yourselves on earth, where it may be turned to dust by worms and weather, and where thieves may come in by force and take it away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Treasure not up to yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust disfigure, and where thieves break through and steal,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where thieves break through, and steal.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust spoils, and where thieves dig through and steal;

Context

This verse marks a significant transition in Matthew 6, moving from the discussion of true righteousness in spiritual disciplines (verses 1-18) to a new major theme: the pursuit of wealth and the importance of eternal priorities. It introduces the contrast between earthly and heavenly treasures, laying the groundwork for the ensuing exhortation to invest in what truly lasts and where one's heart should be.

v.18that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

v.19This passage

v.20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 18:24

    And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

  • Luke 18:22

    And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

  • James 5:1

    Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Luke 12:21

    So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

  • Job 31:24

    If I have made gold my hope, And have said to the fine gold, Thou artmy confidence;

  • Matthew 19:21

    Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

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