Mammon
“That in which one trusts, riches”
Summary
Mammon is an Aramaic term for wealth or riches that Jesus used to personify material possessions as a rival master to God.
☩Meaning and Usage
The word 'mammon' derives from the Aramaic or Chaldee מָמוֹן, signifying 'that in which one trusts' or simply 'riches.' It appears in the Chaldee Targums and Syriac versions with this meaning. The term occurs four times in the New Testament, all in the teachings of Jesus: three times in Luke 16 in connection with the parable of the Unjust Steward, and once in Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. While the word simply means wealth, Jesus' usage personifies it as a master demanding allegiance—a rival deity competing with God for human devotion.
☩Cannot Serve God and Mammon
Jesus' declaration 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon' expresses the fundamental incompatibility between devotion to God and devotion to wealth. The object of a person's confidence ultimately determines their character; compromise in this matter is impossible. Jesus warns that single-mindedness is essential to spiritual health and effectiveness. One cannot be simultaneously devoted to the Kingdom of God and enslaved to the pursuit of material possessions. This teaching does not condemn the possession of wealth but rather its worship—allowing money to exercise control over one's desires and decisions.
☩Mammon of Unrighteousness
In Luke 16:9, Jesus speaks of 'the mammon of unrighteousness,' instructing his disciples to make friends by means of it. The phrase describes wealth as essentially secular and belonging to the present evil age rather than the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that Christians can and must use wealth wisely to promote their eternal interests—through charity and generosity—rather than hoarding it selfishly. The designation 'unrighteous' does not necessarily mean wealth dishonestly obtained, but characterizes money as pertaining to the world order opposed to God's Kingdom. Faithfulness in handling money means dispensing it for the benefit of others, thus laying up treasure in heaven.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mammon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Mammon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Mammon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Mammon," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).