What does Matthew 6:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," captures a profound insight into human behavior and priorities. On the surface, it suggests a simple truth: the things we value most, our "treasures," command our attention, affection, and efforts.

However, on a deeper level, it speaks to the orientation of one's life, the inevitable connection between one's values and one's inner disposition or emotional investment.

It implies that whatever occupies the central place in a person's life ultimately shapes their character and destiny.

Essentially, this verse serves as a reflection on the nature of true value and warns against the misplacement of priorities on material possessions or fleeting pleasures.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7.

The sermon includes a collection of teachings and philosophies that underscore the spiritual ethos of Jesus' ministry.

The historical context is the first century Roman province of Judea, where the Jewish population was living under Roman rule, often experiencing economic and social challenges.

The teachings of this sermon, including the verse in discussion, are directed toward a predominantly Jewish audience who were familiar with religious teachings but perhaps struggled with properly aligning their everyday practices with deeper spiritual truths.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the concept of idolatry and the proper orientation of the human heart.

From a Christian perspective, the "treasure" should be the kingdom of God and righteousness, not earthly wealth or goods. It elaborates on the first commandment, which warns against having other gods before the one true God.

Many Christian theologians infer that the verse warns followers not to let material possessions become a "god" in their lives, thus diverting their devotion away from God.

Some theologians also consider this verse as a challenge to examine one's life and what it reflects about their spiritual state.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Matthew 6:21 can be taken as a call to reevaluate one’s priorities and to invest in relationships, virtues, and actions that have lasting impact and significance.

It encourages individuals to seek fulfillment in their intrinsic values and contributions to others, rather than the accumulation of material wealth.

Applying this teaching could involve charitable giving, volunteer work, or simply a shift in focus towards more spiritually enriching activities.

Cross-References

• Luke 12:34: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
• 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."
• 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
• Colossians 3:1-2: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Language Study

The original Greek phrase for "where your treasure is" is "ὅπου ἐστὶν ὁ θησαυρός σου." The word "θησαυρός" (thesauros) literally means a storehouse for valuables, and by implication, it represents anything valued greatly. "Καρδία" (kardia), which is often translated as "heart" in English bibles, signifies the center of physical and spiritual life, encompassing the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors of a person.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the concept of treasure extended beyond mere wealth and included the virtues, knowledge, and spiritual alignment that defined a person’s character.

For instance, in ancient Egyptian religion, the heart was considered the seat of the soul and was weighed in the afterlife against the feather of Maat, symbolizing truth and justice.

Similarly, in the Hindu tradition, the idea of "heart" aligns with the "Atman" or soul, which is the true self, beyond material possessions or social status.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Matthew 6:21 intersects with psychological understandings of human behavior. According to research in psychology, there is a concept known as "value-action gap," which explains the inconsistency between what people value and how they act.

This verse can be seen as an assertion that the things individuals truly value will inevitably influence their actions. This aligns with the cognitive dissonance theory, which suggests that there is a tendency for individuals to seek consistency between their beliefs, values, and actions.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered insights into this verse.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that the heart will naturally be attached to that which is considered our treasure, encouraging readers to set their affections on heavenly things.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary points out that the verse serves as a reminder that true security and value lie in the eternal, not the temporal.

William Barclay, in his Daily Study Bible series, suggests that the things upon which a person sets their heart will determine their whole character and life.

These are a few examples of the diverse understanding of interpreters striving to unfold the meanings and implications of this Bible verse.