What does Matthew 6:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 6:19 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, where Jesus Christ addresses the issue of materialism and the transient nature of earthly wealth.

The verse exhorts believers not to accumulate wealth for themselves on Earth, where it is subject to decay and theft, but to instead focus on spiritual treasures.

The literal meaning of the verse is straightforward, Jesus warns against investing too heavily in material possessions that are vulnerable to deterioration ("moth and rust") and theft ("thieves break through and steal").

The deeper meaning, however, points to a philosophical and ethical stance about the nature of true value and the impermanence of physical possessions.

This teaching encourages individuals to prioritize values like love, kindness, and faithfulness over the pursuit of wealth, and it suggests that the security found in material wealth is an illusion.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7. The Sermon is a collection of teachings and sayings of Jesus, which outline his moral philosophy and religious principles.

It is one of the core texts for Christian ethics.

The historical context of this verse and the Sermon is the Roman-occupied Judea of the 1st century AD.

At this time, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor, and many people sought to accumulate possessions to display their status.

Jesus' message was countercultural, urging people to seek spiritual wealth rather than material riches.

Theological Insights

Various theological interpretations can be derived from this verse. In the traditional Christian view, the verse reflects the transient nature of life on Earth and the eternal nature of the kingdom of God.

Thus, the priority for Christians should be to seek spiritual fulfillment through a relationship with God and living according to His will, as these efforts generate imperishable rewards.

Some theologians also see this verse as an encouragement to practice detachment from material goods, a concept found in many religious traditions. This detachment is not necessarily a call to poverty but a warning against allowing possessions to control one’s life or faith.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be applied by living modestly and not becoming overly attached to possessions.

It suggests prioritizing time and resources towards community, charity, family, and spirituality.

In a modern context, this might involve ethical consumption, generosity, and a focus on personal growth and relationships over acquiring material goods.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:21: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
• Luke 12:33-34: "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.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

• 1 Timothy 6:17-19: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Language Study

The original Greek phrase for "lay not up" is "Μὴ θησαυρίζετε" (Mē thēsaurizete), which directly translates to "do not store up." The word "θησαυρός" (thēsauros) means "treasure" or "a place to store goods." The term implies hoarding or saving with the intention to keep for oneself.

"Moth" (σής, sēs) and "rust" (βρῶσις, brōsis) refer to the natural forces that can degrade and destroy physical wealth, such as clothing and food.

"Thieves" (κλέπτης, kleptēs) reference those who would take what is not theirs, emphasizing the vulnerability of material treasures.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The teaching in Matthew 6:19 echoes sentiments found in other ancient cultures and religious traditions. For example, in Buddhism, there is the idea of non-attachment to the material world, and in Stoicism, there is a focus on the impermanence of external possessions and the importance of virtue.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, there are similar themes about the futility of chasing wealth.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse aligns with modern understandings of the laws of thermodynamics, particularly entropy, which is the principle that states all systems tend to move towards disorder.

The verse's reference to deterioration by moth and rust could be seen as an acknowledgment of the natural process of entropy, where all material things break down over time.

Additionally, psychological research supports the idea that after basic needs are met, increased material possessions do not equate to increased happiness, bringing a modern understanding to the ancient wisdom of finding contentment in non-material wealth.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have discussed Matthew 6:19 extensively over the years. Notably, many commentaries point out that this verse is not a blanket condemnation of wealth or material possessions but rather a caution against their overvaluation.

John Calvin's commentary emphasizes that where people put their treasure, there too will be their hearts. He stresses the importance of having one's heart aligned with God's kingdom.

In contrast, the Matthew Henry Commentary interprets the verse as a call to charity and generosity, freeing oneself from greed.

Contemporary theologians often use this verse to discuss the challenge of living a faith-focused life in a consumer-driven society. They may point out the relevance of this verse in confronting materialism and encouraging a simpler, more community-oriented lifestyle.