Matthew 6:19

Lasting Treasure

6:19 “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth ¹  and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

Matthew 6:24

6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate ²  the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise ³  the other. You cannot serve God and money. ⁴ 

[6:19]  ¹ tn The term σής (shs) refers to moths in general. It is specifically the larvae of moths that destroy clothing by eating holes in it (L&N 4.49; BDAG 922 s.v.). See Jas 5:2, which mentions “moth-eaten” clothing.

[6:24]  ² sn The contrast between hate and love here is rhetorical. The point is that one will choose the favorite if a choice has to be made.

[6:24]  ³ tn Or “and treat [the other] with contempt.”

[6:24]  ⁴ tn Grk “God and mammon.”