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

MATTHEW 6:19KJV
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Matthew 6:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:19 mean?

Matthew 6:19 warns against storing up wealth and possessions on earth, since these things can be destroyed by moths and rust or stolen by thieves. Instead, the verse suggests that earthly treasures are temporary and insecure.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them about true priorities in life. The verse uses everyday examples—moths, rust, and thieves—to highlight how material things can easily be lost or ruined. The focus is on encouraging listeners to think about what truly lasts and where they place their trust.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:19

  • θησαυρούς (thēsaurous): This word means "treasures" or "stores of wealth." The Greek term often refers to accumulated valuables, not just money, but anything people consider precious. The use of this word draws attention to the idea of hoarding or stockpiling.
  • σεαυτοῖς (heautois): This means "for yourselves." The phrase emphasizes the personal focus of the action—gathering treasures for one’s own benefit, not for others or for God.
  • βρῶσις (brōsis): Translated as "rust," this word can mean "eating" or "consuming." In this context, it points to anything that gradually destroys or consumes valuables, not just literal rust but also decay in general.
  • διορύσσουσιν (dioryssousin): This verb means "break through," referring to digging or breaking into a house, as thieves would do. It highlights the insecurity of physical possessions, which can be lost through theft.

Why Matthew 6:19 matters

  • Matthew 6:19 helps clarify that Jesus is not simply warning against wealth itself, but against the attitude of hoarding and trusting in material things for security.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in the Sermon on the Mount about where a person’s heart and priorities should be, setting up the next verses about treasures in heaven.
  • By using vivid, everyday dangers to possessions, the verse makes the teaching relatable and memorable, showing the practical limits of earthly wealth.

Where else these words appear

“moth” Greek G4597 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 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:
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

“through” Greek G1358 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 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:
  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

“corrupt” Greek G853 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 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:
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

“Lay” Greek G2343 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 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:
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.