For where your treasure is,This phrase emphasizes the location or focus of one's treasure, which in biblical terms often refers to what one values most. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing the priorities of His followers. The concept of "treasure" can be linked to material wealth, but it also extends to anything that holds significant value in one's life. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, treasure was often stored in physical forms like gold, silver, or precious stones, which were susceptible to theft and decay. Jesus contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures, urging His followers to invest in what is eternal. This idea is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Colossians 3:2, which advises believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.
there your heart will be also.
The "heart" in biblical terms often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, desires, and will. This phrase suggests that one's affections and priorities are inevitably tied to what they value most. In Hebrew culture, the heart was seen as the seat of thought and moral decision-making, not just emotions. This connection between treasure and heart implies that what one treasures will ultimately shape their character and actions.Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it," highlighting the importance of aligning one's heart with godly values. The heart's alignment with treasure is a recurring theme in scripture, underscoring the call to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.
2.
Disciples and FollowersThe primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, representing all who seek to follow Christ's teachings.
3.
Mount of BeatitudesThe traditional location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, symbolizing a place of divine teaching and revelation.
Teaching Points
Heart and Treasure AlignmentOur priorities reveal our true values. If our treasure is in earthly possessions, our heart will be tied to the temporal. Conversely, if our treasure is in heavenly things, our heart will be aligned with God's eternal purposes.
Eternal PerspectiveChristians are called to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what lasts beyond this life. This includes spiritual growth, relationships, and acts of service that honor God.
Guarding the HeartThe heart is the center of our being and influences our actions and decisions. We must guard it by focusing on what is pure, noble, and praiseworthy, as instructed in
Philippians 4:8.
Practical StewardshipBelievers are stewards of God's resources. This teaching encourages us to use our time, talents, and treasures for God's kingdom, reflecting our commitment to Him.
Self-ExaminationRegularly examine where your treasure lies. Are your resources and efforts directed towards God's kingdom, or are they consumed by worldly pursuits?
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 6:21?
2.How does Matthew 6:21 guide us in prioritizing our spiritual investments?
3.What does "your heart will be also" reveal about our true desires?
4.How can we align our treasures with God's kingdom according to Matthew 6:21?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of where we place our treasures?
6.How can you practically store treasures in heaven in daily life?
7.How does Matthew 6:21 challenge our understanding of material wealth and spiritual priorities?
8.What does "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" mean for believers?
9.How can Matthew 6:21 influence our daily decision-making and lifestyle choices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6?
11.Where is your treasure, there is your heart?
12.Where is your treasure, there is your heart?
13.What lessons do celebrity tragedies teach us?
14.What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?What Does Matthew 6:21 Mean
For- “For” ties verse 21 to Jesus’ command inMatthew 6:19–20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth … But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The word signals that what follows is the reason behind that command.
- By beginning with “for,” Jesus makes the teaching intensely practical—He is about to reveal the heart-level consequence of wherever we place our wealth, time, and energy.
- Cross references reinforce this cause-and-effect flow:Luke 12:33-34 links selling possessions with hearts fixed on heaven;1 John 2:15-17 warns that loving the world displaces love for the Father.
- In plain terms, Jesus is saying, “Let Me tell you why I just told you to invest in heaven: your heart will go wherever you put your treasure.”
where your treasure is- “Treasure” includes anything we prize:
• Money and possessions (Proverbs 23:4-5;James 5:1-3)
• Time, talents, and opportunities (Ephesians 5:15-16)
• Ambitions and achievements (Philippians 3:8)
• Relationships and affections (Matthew 10:37-39)
- Earthly treasure feels secure but is temporary; heavenly treasure is eternal. First Timothy 6:17-19 urges the rich to be “rich in good deeds” so they may “lay hold of that which is truly life.”
- Jesus’ parables back this up: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46) show that once someone sees the surpassing value of the kingdom, he gladly re-allocates all earthly assets.
- Our bank statements, calendars, and thought patterns function like spiritual X-rays, revealing the location of our treasure.
there your heart will be also- The “heart” is the control center of desires, thoughts, and choices (Proverbs 4:23). It does not lead treasure; it follows it.
- Practical outworking:
• Invest in earthly status—your emotions rise and fall with reputation (Galatians 1:10).
• Invest in volatile markets—peace vanishes when stocks plunge (Psalm 62:10).
• Invest in kingdom causes—affections gravitate toward Christ and eternity (Colossians 3:1-2).
- This is both a diagnostic and a directive: check where your heart currently is, then redirect treasure to reorient affections. Second Corinthians 4:18 frames it succinctly: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.”
- Jesus is promising more than information; He is offering transformation. Move your treasure toward heaven and your heart will catch up.
summaryJesus grounds His call to store up heavenly treasure in a simple spiritual law: treasure leads, heart follows. Whatever we consistently value—money, time, ambitions—will magnetically draw our inner life. By investing in what endures, we safeguard our affections, align them with God’s kingdom, and experience the freedom and focus that come from having our hearts anchored in heaven rather than earth.
(21)
Where your treasure is.--The words imply the truth, afterwards more definitely asserted, that it is impossible to "serve God and mammon" (
Matthew 6:24). Men may try to persuade themselves that they will have a treasure on earth and a treasure in heaven also, but in the long-run, one or the other will assert its claim to be
the treasure, and will claim the no longer divided allegiance of the heart.
Verse 21. -
For where. A further reason for laying up treasures in heaven: wherever they are they have a positive effect on the soul.
Your treasure;
thy (Revised Version). The singular was altered by the copyists so as to correspond with the plural found in the earlier part of the utterance and in the undisputed text of Luke. But our Lord loves to speak to each soul individually. Your heart (
Matthew 5:8, note).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγάρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.whereὅπου(hopou)Adverb
Strong's 3699:Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.treasureθησαυρός(thēsauros)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2344:A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.is,ἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.thereἐκεῖ(ekei)Adverb
Strong's 1563:(a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.heartκαρδία(kardia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588:Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.will beἔσται(estai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.also.καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
Links
Matthew 6:21 NIVMatthew 6:21 NLTMatthew 6:21 ESVMatthew 6:21 NASBMatthew 6:21 KJV
Matthew 6:21 BibleApps.comMatthew 6:21 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 6:21 Chinese BibleMatthew 6:21 French BibleMatthew 6:21 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is there your (Matt. Mat Mt) 
