Keraia
Matthew 6

Matthew 6:24

The Lamp of the Body · Matthew 6:22–24
Read Matthew 6

Translations

Modern
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Traditional
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Literal
No one is able to serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and he will love the other, or he will hold to one and he will despise the other. You are not able to serve God and mammon.
Latin
Nemo potest duobus dominis servire: aut enim unum odio habebit, et alterum diliget: aut unum sustinebit, et alterum contemnet. Non potestis Deo servire et mammonæ.

Original

Greek
English
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Notes

Matthew 6:24

The word translated "money" is traditionally translated mammon. This is an Aramaic term for profits or material possessions. God does not tolerate rivals, so Jesus often warns about the danger of gathering wealth (Matthew 13:22; 19:16–30; 26:14–16; 27:3–10; 28:11–15). This can become an idol (see Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). We must trust God to provide our needs (Matthew 4:3–4; 6:8, 11, 25–34; 7:7–11; 10:9–14; 14:15–21; 15:32–38). The community of disciples should support each other (6:2–4; 10:40–42; 19:21; 23:23–24; 25:31–46; 26:6–13; 27:57–61).

Theme notes and profiles

Moses

Events

Parallels

Luke 11:33–36

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Letter of James Mammon Moses Reward Riches

Topics

Being Equally Yoked Being Focused Being in Debt Being Like the World Being Poor Capitalism Cars Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Compliments Consistency: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Debtors Decision: Exhortation To Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Denying God Devotedness to God: should be Unreserved Discontent Double-mindedness Earning Money Entertainment Gambling Greed Having Other Gods Hoarding Hobbies Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Indecision: General Scriptures Concerning Instability: General Scriptures Concerning Living a Christian Life Living for God Lotteries Mammon: Wealth Material Possessions Material Things Material Wealth Obedience: General Scriptures Concerning Obsession Paying Debts Playing the Lottery Priorities