Matthew 6:24–25
¶ 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.
¶ *No man can serue two masters: for either he will hate the one and loue the other, or else hee will holde to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serue God and Mammon.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceLuke 16.13.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Therfore I say vnto you, *Take no thought for your life, what yee shall eate, or what ye shall drinke, nor yet for your body, what yee shall put on: Is not the life more then meate? and the body then raiment?
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceLuke 12.22. psal. 55.22. 1.pet. 5.7.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
PASSAGE SELECTION
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
10 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 24
- 1 John 2:15–16Rank 1 from verse 24
15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
15Loue not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loue the world, the loue of the Father is not in him.
16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
- Luke 16:13Rank 2 from verse 24
13¶ No servant 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.
13¶ *No seruant can serue two masters, for either he will hate the one, and loue the other: or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other: yee cannot serue God and Mammon.
4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
4Ye adulterers, and adulteresses, know yee not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoeuer therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.
- 1 Timothy 6:9–10Rank 4 from verse 24
9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
9But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish & hurtfull lusts, which drowne men in destruction and perdition.
10For the loue of money is the root of all euill, which while some coueted after, they haue ‖erred from the faith, and pierced themselues through with many sorrowes.
- Joshua 24:15Rank 5 from verse 24
15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
15And if it seeme euill vnto you to serue the LORD, choose you this day whome you will serue, whether the gods which your fathers serued that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose lande ye dwell: but as for mee and my house, we will serue the LORD.
- Galatians 1:10Rank 6 from verse 24
- Romans 6:16–22Rank 7 from verse 24
16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
16Know ye not, that to whom yee yeeld your selues seruants to obey, his seruants ye are to whom ye obey: whether of sinne vnto death, or of obedience vnto righteousnesse?
17But God bee thanked, that yee were the seruants of sinne: but ye haue obeyed from the heart that fourme of doctrine, †which was deliuered you.
18Being then made free from sinne, yee became the seruants of righteousnesse.
19I speake after the maner of men, because of the infirmitie of your flesh: for as yee haue yeelded your members seruants to vncleannesse and to iniquitie, vnto iniquitie: euen so now yeelde your members seruants to righteousnesse, vnto holinesse.
20For when yee were the seruants of sinne ye were free †from righteousnesse.
21What fruit had yee then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22But now being made free from sinne, and become seruants to God, yee haue your fruit vnto holinesse, and the end euerlasting life.
- Matthew 4:10Rank 8 from verse 24
- Luke 16:11Rank 9 from verse 24
- 1 Kings 18:21Rank 10 from verse 24
21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
21And Eliiah came vnto all the people, and said, how long halt yee betweene two ‖opinions? If the LORD bee God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him: and the people answered him not a word.
- Joshua 24:19–20Rank 11 from verse 24
19And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
20If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
19And Ioshua said vnto the people, Ye cannot serue the LORD: for hee is an holy God: he is a ielous God, he will not forgiue your transgressions nor your sinnes.
20If yee forsake the LORD, and serue strange gods, *then he will turne, and doe you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
- 1 Timothy 6:17Rank 12 from verse 24
17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they bee not high minded, nor trust in †vncertaine riches, but in the liuing God, who giueth vs richly all things to enioy,
- 1 Samuel 7:3Rank 13 from verse 24
3¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
3¶ And Samuel spake vnto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye doe returne vnto the LORD with all your hearts, then *put away the strange gods, and *Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts vnto the LORD, and *serue him onely: & he will deliuer you out of the hand of the Philistines.
- 2 Kings 17:33–34Rank 14 from verse 24
33They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
34Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the Lord, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;
33*They feared the LORD, and serued their owne gods, after the maner of the nations ‖whom they caried away from thence.
34Unto this day they doe after the former maners: they feare not the LORD, neither doe they after their Statutes, or after their Ordinances, or after the Law and Commaundement which the LORD commaunded the children of Iacob, *whom hee named Israel,
- 2 Kings 17:41Rank 15 from verse 24
41So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
41So these nations feared the LORD, and serued their grauen images, both their children, and their childrens children: as did their fathers, so doe they vnto this day.
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
9And I say vnto you, Make to your selues friends of the ‖Mammon of vnrighteousnesse, that when ye faile, they may receiue you into euerlasting habitations.
- Ezekiel 20:39Rank 17 from verse 24
39As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.
39As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the LORD God, Goe yee, serue ye euery one his idoles, and hereafter also, if ye wil not hearken vnto me: but pollute ye my holy Name no more with your gifts, and with your idoles.
- 2 Timothy 4:10Rank 18 from verse 24
- Zephaniah 1:5Rank 19 from verse 24
From verse 25
- Philippians 4:6Rank 1 from verse 25
- Romans 8:32Rank 2 from verse 25
- 1 Peter 5:7Rank 3 from verse 25
- Psalms 55:22Rank 4 from verse 25
- Luke 12:22–31Rank 5 from verse 25
22¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
22¶ And he said vnto his disciples, Therefore I say vnto you, *Take no thought for your life what yee shall eate, neither for the body what yee shall put on.
23The life is more then meate, and the body is more then raiment.
24Consider the rauens, for they neither sow nor reape, which neither haue storehouse nor barne, and God feedeth them: How much more are yee better then the foules?
25And which of you with taking thought can adde to his stature one cubite?
26If yee then bee not able to doe that thing which is least, why take yee thought for the rest?
27Consider the Lillies how they growe, they toile not; they spinne not: and yet I say vnto you, that Solomon in all his glory, was not arayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grasse, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the ouen: how much more will he clothe you, O ye of litle faith?
29And seeke not yee what yee shall eate, or what ye shall drinke, ‖neither be ye of doubtfull minde.
30For all these things doe the nations of the world seeke after: and your father knoweth that yee haue neede of these things.
31¶ But rather seeke yee the kingdome of God, and all these things shall be added vnto you.
- Matthew 6:31Rank 6 from verse 25
- Matthew 6:27–28Rank 7 from verse 25
27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
27Which of you by taking thought, can adde one cubite vnto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow: they toile not, neither doe they spinne.
19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
19And the cares of this world, *and the deceitfulnesse of riches, and the lusts of other things entring in, choke the word, and it becommeth vnfruitfull.
- Matthew 6:34Rank 9 from verse 25
- Hebrews 13:5–6Rank 10 from verse 25
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
5 Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse: and be content with such things as yee haue. For hee hath said, *I will neuer leaue thee, nor forsake thee.
6So that wee may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not feare what man shall doe vnto me.
- Matthew 10:19Rank 11 from verse 25
- 1 Corinthians 7:32Rank 12 from verse 25
14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
14And that which fell among thornes, are they, which when they haue heard, goe forth, and are choked with cares and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruite to perfection.
- 2 Timothy 2:4Rank 14 from verse 25
- Matthew 13:22Rank 15 from verse 25
22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
22He also that receiued seed among the thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world, and the deceitfulnesse of riches choke the word, and he becommeth vnfruitfull.
- Luke 10:40–41Rank 16 from verse 25
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
40But Martha was cumbred about much seruing, and came to him, and said, Lord, doest thou not care that my sister hath left mee to serue alone? Bid her therefore that she helpe me.
41And Iesus answered, and saide vnto her, Martha, Martha, thou art carefull, and troubled about many things:
- Luke 12:11Rank 17 from verse 25
11And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
11*And when they bring you vnto the Synagogues, and vnto Magistrates, & powers, take yee no thought how or what thing ye shall answere, or what ye shall say:
- Mark 13:11Rank 18 from verse 25
11But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
11*But when they shall lead you, and deliuer you vp, take no thought before hand what ye shall speake, neither doe yee premeditate: but whatsoeuer shall bee giuen you in that houre, that speake yee: for it is not yee that speake, but the holy Ghost.
- Luke 12:8–9Rank 19 from verse 25
8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
8*Also I say vnto you, Whosoeuer shall confesse me before men, him shall the Sonne of man also confesse before the Angels of God.
9But he that denieth me before men, shalbe denied before the Angels of God.
- Luke 12:4–5Rank 20 from verse 25
4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
4*And I say vnto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that, haue no more that they can doe.
5But I will forewarne you whom you shall feare: Feare him, which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell, yea, I say vnto you, Feare him.
- Matthew 5:22–28Rank 21 from verse 25
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
22But I say vnto you, that whosoeuer is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the Iudgement: and whosoeuer shall say to his brother, Racha, shal be in danger of the counsell: but whosoeuer shall say, Thou foole, shalbe in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee:
24Leaue there thy gift before the altar, and goe thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25*Agree with thine aduersarie quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him: least at any time the aduersarie deliuer thee to the iudge, and the iudge deliuer thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Uerily I say vnto thee, thou shalt by no meanes come out thence, till thou hast payd the vttermost farthing.
27¶ Yee haue heard that it was said by them of old time, *Thou shalt not commit adulterie.
28But I say vnto you, That whosoeuer looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adulterie with her already in his heart.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
Matthew 6:24
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To work for, obey, attend, minister to, worship, or fulfil a purpose.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Persons who rule, own, teach, or exercise authority over others.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To feel strong dislike, aversion, or enmity toward; in comparisons, to love less.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
To regard with contempt, reject, or esteem lightly.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Is unable to; is not able to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Worldly wealth, money, riches, possessions, or material gain.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Matthew 6:25
Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
To receive, seize, carry, accept, choose, or lay hold of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
Sense 1: Past tense and past participle of think: considered, supposed, intended, purposed, judged, reckoned, or called to mind. Sense 2: A thought, intention, purpose, judgment, or matter of the mind or heart. Sense 3: In the phrase ‘take thought,’ anxious care or concern.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The state of living; the period or manner of one's existence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
To take food into the body; to consume, devour, or waste away.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The material frame of a person or creature. Sense 2: A visible form, mass, or main substance. Sense 3: A unified whole or company composed of members. Sense 4: Substantial reality distinguished from a shadow.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
To place, set, lay, appoint, bring into a condition, or cause to be.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. To place upon, clothe, or cover. 2. To assume a character, identity, conduct, or condition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Food, nourishment, sustenance, or provision. Sense 2: Figuratively, that which nourishes or sustains.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Clothing, apparel, or garments worn on the body.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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love and charity
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23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
23But if thine eye be euill, thy whole body shall be full of darknesse. If therfore the light that is in thee be darkenesse, how great is that darkenesse?
24¶ 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.
24¶ *No man can serue two masters: for either he will hate the one and loue the other, or else hee will holde to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serue God and Mammon.
Selected passage25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
25Therfore I say vnto you, *Take no thought for your life, what yee shall eate, or what ye shall drinke, nor yet for your body, what yee shall put on: Is not the life more then meate? and the body then raiment?
Selected passage26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
26Behold the foules of the aire: for they sow not, neither do they reape, nor gather into barnes, yet your heauenly father feedeth them. Are yee not much better then they?