Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:20

What does Matthew 6:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:20 means

In direct contrast to the fleeting nature of earthly riches, Jesus exhorts His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." These heavenly treasures represent spiritual and eternal rewards, gained through acts of righteousness, faith, and devotion to God. Critically, these treasures are imperishable and secure: "where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Investing in these eternal realities ensures lasting security and an enduring inheritance with God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But make a store for yourselves in heaven, where it will not be turned to dust and where thieves do not come in to take it away:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but treasure up to yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth disfigure, and where thieves do not break through nor steal,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust spoils, and where thieves do not dig through nor steal;

Context

This verse presents the positive command in direct opposition to the warning in verse 19. It offers the alternative to storing up earthly treasures, establishing the true and lasting value of heavenly rewards. This contrast immediately sets up the profound theological explanation in the following verse, which connects one's treasure to the true allegiance of the heart.

v.19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

v.20This passage

v.21for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 10:34

    For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

  • Isaiah 33:6

    And there shall be stability in thy times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah is thy treasure.

  • Revelation 2:9

    I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

  • Luke 12:33

    Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth.

  • 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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