Mammon as a Concept in New Testament Theology
Mammon is an Aramaic term that signifies "wealth" or "riches" [1, 2]. In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, it is often personified as a rival to God, representing material possessions or profit [1, 2, 4].
The most prominent biblical references to Mammon appear in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:9-11. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters, for 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 God and Mammon." This passage highlights the exclusive nature of ultimate allegiance, presenting Mammon as a competing master to God [4]. The Tyndale House commentary on Matthew 6:24 notes that Jesus frequently warns against the dangers of accumulating riches, viewing them as potential idols [4]. Other passages like Matthew 13:22, 19:16-30, and 26:14-16 further illustrate this concern, emphasizing that material wealth can hinder spiritual devotion [4].
Luke 16:9-11 also uses the term Mammon in the context of stewardship and faithfulness. Jesus advises, "Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth [Mammon], so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings" (Luke 16:9). He continues by saying, "If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth [Mammon], who will entrust to you the true riches?" (Luke 16:11). Here, "unrighteous Mammon" refers to worldly wealth, and the teaching encourages its use for eternal purposes, implying that one's handling of material possessions reflects their faithfulness [1].
The concept of Mammon underscores a fundamental tension between devotion to God and the pursuit of worldly riches. The New Testament repeatedly cautions against the idolatry of wealth, suggesting that it can displace God in one's affections and priorities [4]. This is not merely a warning against wealth itself, but against the service of wealth, where material possessions become the primary object of desire and trust. Instead, the emphasis is on trusting God to provide for needs and on mutual support within the community of believers [4]. This perspective is echoed in passages that encourage reliance on God for daily sustenance (Matthew 4:3-4; 6:8, 11, 25-34) and generosity towards others (Matthew 6:2-4; 19:21) [4].
The term "Mammon" is distinct from "daemon," which refers to spiritual beings at enmity with God, often translated as "devil" in the New Testament [3]. While daemons are described as fallen angels with power over humanity, Mammon represents an abstract concept of wealth personified as a rival deity [1, 3]. The distinction is important for understanding the nature of the spiritual struggle described in the New Testament: one involves contending with spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12), while the other involves resisting the allure and ultimate authority of material possessions [3, 4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mammon — A Chaldee or Syriac word meaning "wealth" or "riches" (Luke 16:9-11); also, by personification, the god of riches (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:9-11).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Mammon — (riches) (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:9) a word which often occurs in the Chaldee Terguma of Onkelos and later writers, and in the Syriac version, and which signifies "riches." It is used in St. Matthew as a personification of riches.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Daemon — The Greek form, rendered "devil" in the Authorized Version of the New Testament. Daemons are spoken of as spiritual beings (Matt. 8:16; 10:1; 12:43-45) at enmity with God, and as having a certain power over man (James 2:19; Rev. 16:14). They recognize our Lord as the Son of God (Matt. 8:20; Luke 4:41). They belong to the number of those angels that "kept not their first estate," "unclean spirits," "fallen angels," the angels of the devil (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7-9). They are the "principalities and powers" against which we must "wrestle" (Eph. 6:12).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:24: 6:24 The term for money (traditionally mammon) is an Aramaic term for profits or material possessions. Since God tolerates no rivals, Jesus repeatedly warns of the danger of accumulating riches (13:22; 19:16-30; 26:14-16; 27:3-10; 28:11-15), which can be an idol (see Eph 5:5; Col 3:5). We must trust God to meet our needs (Matt 4:3-4; 6:8, 11, 25-34; 7:7-11; 10:9-14; 14:15-21; 15:32-38), and the community of disciples is to be mutually supportive (6:2-4; 10:40-42; 19:21; 23:23-24; 25:31-46; 26:6-13; 27:57-61).”