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 6:20KJV
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Matthew 6:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:20 mean?

Matthew 6:20 teaches that people should focus on storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth, because heavenly treasures cannot be destroyed or stolen. The verse contrasts the temporary nature of earthly wealth with the lasting security of spiritual riches in heaven.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, urging them to set their priorities on things that last forever rather than things that can be lost or ruined. Jesus uses everyday examples—moths, rust, and thieves—to show how fragile earthly possessions are, encouraging listeners to invest in what truly endures.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:20

  • The word for "treasures" (θησαυρούς, thēsaurous) refers to valuable things stored up, not just money but anything considered precious. This highlights that Jesus is talking about whatever people value most, not just wealth.
  • The phrase "lay up" (θησαυρίζετε, thēsaurizete) uses the same root as "treasures," giving a sense of "treasuring up" or "storing up for yourselves." This wordplay emphasizes the idea of intentionally building up what matters most.
  • The word for "heaven" (οὐρανῷ, ouranō) points to the spiritual realm where God dwells, making clear that these treasures are not physical but have eternal value.
  • The words for "moth" (σής, sēs) and "rust" (βρῶσις, brōsis) both refer to natural forces that destroy material things, underlining the vulnerability of earthly possessions.

Why Matthew 6:20 matters

  • Matthew 6:20 helps clear up the idea that Jesus is against all wealth; instead, he is challenging people to consider what they value most and where they invest their hearts.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by continuing Jesus’ teaching on priorities, showing that true security is found in God, not in material things.
  • This verse makes it clear that spiritual investments—acts of love, faith, and generosity—are the kind of treasures that last, shaping how believers think about what is truly important.

Where else these words appear

“moth” Greek G4597 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and 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.

“do” Greek G1358 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and 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 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and 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.

“up” Greek G2343 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and 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.