Matthew 6:20
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
The positive counterpart to the warning of the previous verse. Jesus contrasts perishable earthly treasure with the secure, lasting treasure of heaven, leading to the truth about where our hearts are set.
What Does Matthew 6:20 Mean?
Jesus calls His followers to lay up treasures in heaven -- lasting riches that no moth, rust, or thief can ever destroy. This is the positive counterpart to His warning against hoarding earthly wealth. Where earthly treasure is fragile and perishable, heavenly treasure is utterly secure. The same threats that ruin worldly goods have no power in heaven.
What is this heavenly treasure? Jesus does not give a precise inventory, but the surrounding teaching points the way: acts of mercy done in secret, generosity to the needy, sincere devotion, forgiveness, and a life lived for God rather than for self. These are the investments that endure beyond this life. To "lay up" such treasure is to live with eternity in view, valuing what God values and storing up reward in His presence. This reorders our entire approach to wealth and effort. Instead of pouring ourselves into accumulating what we cannot keep, we are invited to invest in what we cannot lose. There is profound wisdom and freedom in this. Heavenly treasure is not subject to economic collapse, theft, or decay; it is kept safe by God Himself. The next verse will reveal why this matters so deeply -- because where our treasure is, our heart will follow. Jesus invites us to set our hearts on riches that last forever.
In the Original Language
The Greek thesauros, "treasure," denotes a store of valued things. "In heaven," en ourano, locates this lasting wealth in God's realm, beyond the reach of the moth, rust, and thief named before.
Cross References
“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.”
- Luke 12:33
“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
- 1 Timothy 6:19
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Colossians 3:2
Application
Invest your time, resources, and devotion in what lasts forever -- mercy, generosity, and a life lived for God -- storing up treasure that nothing can take from you.