What does Matthew 6:20 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 6:20 advises its readers to prioritize spiritual, eternal riches over those that are material and temporary. The passage suggests that material possessions are vulnerable to decay and theft, while spiritual treasures--qualities such as love, kindness, and faith--are imperishable and secure.

This verse is often interpreted to mean that one's focus should be on living a life that is pleasing to God, which will result in rewards in heaven, rather than excessively accumulating material wealth that ultimately holds no eternal value.

Historical Context

The verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, attributed to Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapters 5-7.

This message was given in the context of first-century Palestine where wealth was largely measured by material possessions such as clothing, stored grains, and precious metals.

Moths destroying clothing and rust corrupting metals would have been common concerns.

Theft was also a familiar threat as many homes were easily breakable.

In this cultural backdrop, Jesus' message would resonate with an audience acutely aware of the temporal nature of material wealth.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the advice to store up treasures in heaven contrasts with contemporary Jewish thought that associated material blessings with God’s favor. In Christian theology, this verse shifts the focus to the afterlife and the believer’s relationship with God.

It is also often contrasted with a prosperity gospel which emphasizes God's blessings as material wealth on earth.

The verse is a cornerstone in the understanding that the kingdom of God is not of this world, and it shapes the Christian perspective on stewardship, wealth, and charitable giving.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this passage is a reminder to invest in one's spiritual life and in actions that reflect the values of the kingdom of heaven such as compassion, community service, and living a morally upright life.

It challenges believers to rethink their consumer habits, the role of wealth in their lives, and to find balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of their existence.

This can involve charitable acts and focusing more on personal growth and relationships rather than material accumulation.

Cross-References

• 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 12:33-34: "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 key terms in this verse are "treasures," "heaven," "moth," "rust," and "thieves." In the original Greek text, the word for "treasures" is "θησαυρούς" (thesauros), implying a place of safekeeping or storage.

The term "heaven" translates to "οὐρανῷ" (ourano), often signifying the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or atmosphere.

"Moth" is "σής" (sēs), referring to the insect that consumes clothing.

"Rust" translates from "βρῶσιν" (brōsis) which can mean "eating" but is used here metaphorically for the process of corrosion affecting metals.

"Thieves" is from "κλέπται" (kleptai), indicating those who steal.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient teachings, this proverbial wisdom can be compared to religious traditions emphasizing detachment from material possessions like in Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, and the Hindu concept of non-attachment, or Aparigraha.

Stoic philosophy also advises focusing on the impermanence of physical goods.

These comparisons show a common value placed on transcending materialism in ancient wisdom traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the concepts of moth and rust involve understanding biological and chemical processes. Biology explains how certain moths consume clothing, and chemistry sheds light on how metals corrode.

The verse metaphorically uses these inevitable natural processes to illustrate the impermanence of material goods. Modern understanding of security also contradicts the notion of permanent safety for physical possessions, acknowledging potential threats despite advancements in defensive measures.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse generally emphasize its moral and ethical teachings.

Many scholars highlight the verse’s call towards spiritual priorities over material wealth, reflecting the broader teachings of the New Testament on wealth and possessions.

Renowned Biblical commentators like Matthew Henry mention the folly in placing too much importance on worldly goods that are subject to decay, while others like John Gill expound on the security of heavenly treasures.

Modern Christian thought leaders often cite this verse when addressing materialism and consumer culture within religious contexts.