New Testament
Matthew 6:24
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 7th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus teaches that a person cannot be fully loyal to two different authorities or priorities.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
No one can serve two masters. You will end up hating one and loving the other, or being devoted to one and despising the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.
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.
Plain Meaning
Jesus says it is impossible to fully serve two masters at the same time. A servant owned by two owners would eventually favor one and resent the other — loyalty always tips one way. Jesus applies this to God and 'mammon,' which means money and material wealth. You cannot give your deepest loyalty to both. One will always win, and the other will lose.
Read It in Context
This verse sits inside a longer teaching on where a person's heart is truly focused. Just before this, Jesus said that where your treasure is, your heart follows (verse 21). Verse 24 names the two competing loyalties directly: God or money. The next verse then flows from this — because you cannot serve both, stop being anxious about money and trust God instead.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Matthew 6:24 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches that a person cannot be fully loyal to two different authorities or priorities. The term 'masters' refers to those who have control or influence over our lives. When we try to serve both God and wealth (referred to as 'mammon'), we will inevitably face conflict. Our affections and commitments will be divided, leading to a situation where we may end up loving one and hating the other. This highlights the importance of choosing our priorities wisely. If we prioritize material wealth over our relationship with God, we risk losing our spiritual integrity and devotion. Jesus emphasizes that true service and loyalty can only be given to one master, urging us to choose God above all else. This call to singular devotion challenges us to examine what we truly value and where we place our trust, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to worldly possessions or status.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 6:24 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own life and identify what you prioritize. Are there areas where materialism or other distractions compete with your devotion to God? Make conscious choices to focus on spiritual growth and service to God, ensuring that your actions align with your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary · Matthew 6:24 Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:24 mean?
Matthew 6:24 means that a person cannot be fully loyal to both God and wealth. It teaches that trying to serve both will lead to conflict, as our commitments and affections will be divided.
What is the meaning of 'mammon' in Matthew 6:24?
In Matthew 6:24, 'mammon' refers to wealth or material possessions. It symbolizes the pursuit of money and material gain, which can distract from one's devotion to God.
How can I apply Matthew 6:24 in my life?
To apply Matthew 6:24, assess your priorities and identify any distractions that compete with your devotion to God. Make intentional choices to focus on spiritual growth and align your actions with your faith.
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