Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Mammon is a term used in the Bible to denote wealth, material riches, or the personification of greed and avarice. The word is derived from the Aramaic term "mamon," which means wealth or profit. In the New Testament, Mammon is often depicted as a false god or master that competes with God for human devotion and loyalty. Biblical References The most notable reference to Mammon is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus addresses the issue of serving two masters. In Matthew 6:24 , Jesus states, "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." Here, "money" is translated from the Greek word "mamōnas," indicating that Jesus is warning against the divided loyalties that wealth can create. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uses the term in the parable of the dishonest manager. Luke 16:9 reads, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings." In this context, "worldly wealth" is again translated from "mamōnas," suggesting that while wealth itself is not inherently evil, it must be used wisely and with an eternal perspective. Theological Significance Mammon is often understood as a representation of the spiritual danger posed by materialism and the pursuit of wealth. The Bible consistently warns against the love of money, which can lead to a departure from faith and a life centered on temporal rather than eternal values. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." The concept of Mammon serves as a reminder of the potential for wealth to become an idol, drawing individuals away from their devotion to God. It challenges believers to examine their priorities and to ensure that their trust and allegiance remain with God rather than with material possessions. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, yet the biblical narrative frequently subverts this notion by emphasizing the spiritual perils associated with riches. The personification of Mammon as a rival deity underscores the biblical theme of monotheism and the exclusive worship of the one true God. Throughout church history, Mammon has been used as a symbol in sermons and writings to critique societal greed and the moral compromises that can accompany the pursuit of wealth. The term has been employed to challenge both individual and systemic practices that prioritize profit over righteousness and justice. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the teachings on Mammon encourage a balanced view of wealth. While financial resources can be a blessing and a tool for advancing God's kingdom, they must be managed with integrity and generosity. Christians are called to be stewards of their resources, using them to serve others and to further the gospel, rather than allowing them to become a source of pride or a substitute for reliance on God. In summary, Mammon represents the tension between material wealth and spiritual devotion, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else and to use their resources in a manner that honors Him. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MammonEaston's Bible Dictionary A Chaldee or Syriac word meaning "wealth" or "riches" (Luke 16:9-11); also, by personification, the god of riches (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:9-11). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Riches; wealth; the god of riches; riches, personified.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAMMONmam'-un (Mamonas): A common Aramaic word (mamon) for riches, used in Matthew 6:24 and in Luke 16:9, 11, 13. In these passages mammon merely means wealth, and is called "unrighteous," because the abuse of riches is more frequent than their right use. In Luke 16:13 there is doubtless personification, but there is no proof that there was in New Testament times a Syrian deity called Mammon. The application of the term in Matthew is apparent and requires no comment. In Luke, however, since the statement, "Make to yourselves friends out of the mammon of unrighteousness," follows as a comment on the parable of the Unjust Steward, there is danger of the inference that Jesus approved the dishonest conduct of the steward and advised His disciples to imitate his example. On the contrary, the statement is added more as a corrective against this inference than as an application. `Do not infer,' He says, that honesty in the use of money is a matter of indifference. He that is unfaithful in little is unfaithful in much. So if you are not wise in the use of earthly treasure how can you hope to be entrusted with heavenly treasure?' The commendation is in the matter of foresight, not in the method. The steward tried to serve two masters, his lord and his lord's creditors, but the thing could not be done, as the sequel shows. Neither can men serve both God and riches exalted as an object of slavish servitude. Wealth, Jesus teaches, does not really belong to men, but as stewards they may use wealth prudently unto their eternal advantage. Instead of serving God and mammon alike we may serve God by the use of wealth, and thus lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven. Again, the parable is not to be interpreted as teaching that the wrong of dishonest gain may be atoned for by charity. Jesus is not dealing with the question of reparation. The object is to point out how one may best use wealth, tainted or otherwise, with a view to the future. Greek 3126. mamonas -- riches ... mammon. Of Chaldee origin (confidence, ie Wealth, personified); mammonas, ie Avarice (deified) -- mammon. (mamona) -- 4 Occurrences. 3125, 3126. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3126.htm - 6k Library Making Friends of Mammon The Unrighteous Mammon God and Mammon. June 16. "Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon" (Matt. vi. 24). The Marcionite Interpretation of God and Mammon Refuted the ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvi. 9, "Make to Yourselves ... Answer to an Objection, Arising from the Words of Christ (Matt. vi ... The Sermon on the Mount. Although, Therefore, Celsus Would, in his Own Words, "Drive us ... Chapter xiv. Thesaurus Mammon (4 Occurrences)...MAMMON. ... In these passages mammon merely means wealth, and is called "unrighteous," because the abuse of riches is more frequent than their right use. ... /m/mammon.htm - 10k Unrighteous (32 Occurrences) Lords (63 Occurrences) Either (152 Occurrences) Devoted (72 Occurrences) Despise (64 Occurrences) Masters (59 Occurrences) Riches (118 Occurrences) Serve (407 Occurrences) Hate (177 Occurrences) Resources What is mammon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that you cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:24? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He spoke of making friends by worldly wealth (Luke 16:9)? | GotQuestions.org Mammon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mammon (4 Occurrences)Matthew 6:24 Luke 16:9 Luke 16:11 Luke 16:13 Subtopics Related Terms |