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Book of Luke - Chapter 16 - Verse 13

16:13
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.

Meaning

This verse highlights the idea that a person cannot serve two masters simultaneously, specifically God and material wealth or riches, often symbolized by the term 'mammon'. It illustrates that one's loyalty and devotion cannot be divided between serving God and pursuing worldly possessions. The verse suggests that attempting to serve both God and material wealth will ultimately lead to a conflict of interest, as one's ultimate allegiance will be to either God or wealth. The verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's commitment to either spiritual values or material possessions. It serves as a reminder to individuals to make a conscious choice between serving God, with all the values and principles that entail, or prioritizing the pursuit of material wealth. The message is clear: one must choose where to place their devotion and loyalty, as attempting to serve both will only lead to inner conflict and eventual dissatisfaction.

Theological Overview

Within the theological interpretation of the verse 'No servant can serve two masters', the concept of serving two masters is considered incompatible with the Christian faith. This verse highlights the idea that a person cannot have loyalty to both God and worldly possessions (mammon) simultaneously. The word 'mammon' refers to material wealth or possessions that can distract individuals from their devotion to God. The verse emphasizes the need for believers to prioritize their commitment to God above all else, as divided allegiance will ultimately lead to conflict and inner turmoil. By serving two masters, one's love and devotion will be divided, creating a spiritual struggle that can hinder the individual's relationship with God. The interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of wholehearted dedication to serving God alone, without allowing material possessions or worldly desires to take precedence.

American Standard Version

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
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