Matthew 6:20
New International Version
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

New Living Translation
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

English Standard Version
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Berean Standard Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Berean Literal Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in nor steal.

King James Bible
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

New King James Version
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

New American Standard Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

NASB 1995
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

NASB 1977
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

Legacy Standard Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

Amplified Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal;

Christian Standard Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.

American Standard Version
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Contemporary English Version
Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.

English Revised Version
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don't destroy and thieves don't break in and steal.

Good News Translation
Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal.

International Standard Version
But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal,

Majority Standard Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

NET Bible
But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

New Heart English Bible
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves do not break through and steal;

Webster's Bible Translation
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

Weymouth New Testament
But amass wealth for yourselves in Heaven, where neither the moth nor wear-and-tear destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

World English Bible
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but treasure up to yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust disfigure, and where thieves do not break through nor steal,

Berean Literal Bible
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in nor steal.

Young's Literal Translation
but treasure up to yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth disfigure, and where thieves do not break through nor steal,

Smith's Literal Translation
But treasure to you treasures in heaven, where neither moth, nor gnawing destroy; and where thieves dig not through, nor steal.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

New American Bible
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

New Revised Standard Version
but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, where neither rust nor moth destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But place treasures for yourselves in Heaven, where neither moths nor corrosion disfigure and where thieves neither break in nor steal.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.

Godbey New Testament
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and thieves do not break through and steal:

Haweis New Testament
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust nor canker spoil, and where thieves do not dig through and steal;

Mace New Testament
but lay up for your selves treasures in heaven, where there is neither moth, nor rust, nor corruption, nor thieves, nor violence to molest you.

Weymouth New Testament
But amass wealth for yourselves in Heaven, where neither the moth nor wear-and-tear destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Worrell New Testament
but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where theives do not break through, nor steal;

Worsley New Testament
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Treasures in Heaven
19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.…

Cross References
Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Hebrews 10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Luke 18:22
On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Proverbs 8:18-21
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. / My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. / I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, ...

Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

Isaiah 45:3
I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

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.

Isaiah 33:6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

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.

Jump to Previous
Amass Break Consume Consumes Corrupt Destroys Dig Disfigure Dust Heaven Lay Moth Rust Spoils Steal Store Thieves Treasure Treasures Turned Wealth Wear-And-Tear Yourselves
Jump to Next
Amass Break Consume Consumes Corrupt Destroys Dig Disfigure Dust Heaven Lay Moth Rust Spoils Steal Store Thieves Treasure Treasures Turned Wealth Wear-And-Tear Yourselves
Matthew 6
1. Giving to the Needy
5. The Lord's Prayer
16. Proper Fasting
19. Store up Treasures in Heaven
25. Do Not Worry
33. but seek God's kingdom.














But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven
This phrase emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. In the context of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, it contrasts earthly possessions, which are temporary, with heavenly treasures, which are eternal. The concept of storing treasures in heaven aligns with the teachings found in other parts of the New Testament, such as Colossians 3:2, which encourages believers to set their minds on things above. The idea of heavenly treasures can be linked to the rewards believers receive for their faithfulness and good works, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:12-14. This phrase also reflects the Jewish understanding of the afterlife and the value of righteousness, as seen in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

where moth and rust do not destroy
In the ancient world, wealth was often stored in the form of clothing and precious metals. Moths were known to destroy fine garments, and rust (or corrosion) could damage metal goods. This imagery would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, highlighting the vulnerability and impermanence of earthly possessions. The use of "moth" and "rust" serves as a metaphor for the inevitable decay and loss associated with material wealth. This concept is echoed in James 5:2-3, where the temporary nature of riches is further emphasized. The assurance that heavenly treasures are immune to such decay underscores their enduring value.

and where thieves do not break in and steal
In the historical context of first-century Palestine, homes were often made of mud bricks, making them susceptible to break-ins by thieves. The security of one's possessions was a constant concern. By stating that heavenly treasures are safe from theft, Jesus assures His followers that their spiritual investments are secure. This assurance is consistent with the biblical theme of God's protection over what is entrusted to Him, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:12. The contrast between the vulnerability of earthly wealth and the security of heavenly treasures serves to encourage believers to focus on what is truly lasting and valuable.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.

2. Disciples and Followers
The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all believers who seek to live according to His instructions.

3. Heaven
The spiritual realm where God resides, representing eternal life and the ultimate destination for believers.

4. Earthly Treasures
Material possessions and wealth that are subject to decay and theft, contrasting with heavenly treasures.

5. Sermon on the Mount
The context of this teaching, a collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew chapters 5-7.
Teaching Points
Eternal Perspective
Focus on what is eternal rather than temporary. Earthly possessions are fleeting, but heavenly treasures last forever.

Prioritizing God's Kingdom
Invest in spiritual growth, acts of kindness, and spreading the Gospel, which contribute to heavenly treasures.

Security in Christ
Unlike earthly wealth, which can be stolen or destroyed, treasures in heaven are secure and protected by God.

Generosity and Stewardship
Use earthly resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom, reflecting the heart of Christ.

Contentment and Trust
Trust in God's provision and find contentment in Him, rather than in material wealth.(20) Treasures in heaven.--These, as in the parallel passage of Luke 12:33, are the good works, or rather the character formed by them, which follow us into the unseen world (Revelation 14:13), and are subject to no process of decay. So men are "rich in good works" (1Timothy 6:18), "rich in faith" (James 2:5), are made partakers of the "unsearchable riches of Christ and His glory" (Ephesians 3:8; Ephesians 3:16). . . . Verse 20. - But lay up (ver. 19, note).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

store up
θησαυρίζετε (thēsaurizete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2343: To store up, treasure up, save, lay up. From thesauros; to amass or reserve.

for yourselves
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

treasures
θησαυροὺς (thēsaurous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2344: A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

heaven,
οὐρανῷ (ouranō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

moth
σὴς (sēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4597: A moth. Apparently of Hebrew origin; a moth.

[and]
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

rust
βρῶσις (brōsis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1035: (a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food.

do not destroy,
ἀφανίζει (aphanizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 853: From aphanes; to render unapparent, i.e. consume, or disappear.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

thieves
κλέπται (kleptai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2812: A thief. From klepto; a stealer.

do not break in
διορύσσουσιν (dioryssousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1358: To dig through, break through. From dia and orusso; to penetrate burglariously.

[and] steal.
κλέπτουσιν (kleptousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2813: To steal. A primary verb; to filch.


Links
Matthew 6:20 NIV
Matthew 6:20 NLT
Matthew 6:20 ESV
Matthew 6:20 NASB
Matthew 6:20 KJV

Matthew 6:20 BibleApps.com
Matthew 6:20 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 6:20 Chinese Bible
Matthew 6:20 French Bible
Matthew 6:20 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 6:19
Top of Page
Top of Page