Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

Matthew 6:24 on "mammon" corresponds to the "tree" and "Pergamus".

Matthew 5:1-2 Introduction of Jesus and disciples on the mountain, the crowd down further away.
Matthew 5:3 to 7:23 Body of the Sermon an the mount (103 verses).
Matthew 7:24-27 Summary of the house on rock and house on sand.
Matthew 7:28-29 Commentary after the Sermon on the Mount.

[spread spectrum communication]

Here are some more connections in the Sermon on the Mount. The 103 verses that form the body of the Sermon on the Mount form six sequences of seven ideas that match rather well the Kingdom Parables and the Seven Churches in Revelation. Some sequences are top-down backward-chaining while others are bottom-up forward-chaining.

More: Sermon on the Mount: verse model

Theme: The good and bad seeds (two mutually exclusive choices, yes-yes no-no, etc.) become a tree with religious and secular power. Mammon represents confidence in one's own ability to do things. For example, take an oath thinking that one can fulfill the oath and that one is not being deceived by the oath taken.

At each stage, there are both positive and negative aspects of the connections.

More: Matthew 13:31-32 Third kingdom parable: mustard seeds and trees

More: Revelation 2:12-17 Pergamus

More: Sermon on the Mount: verse model

Matthew 6:24 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. [kjv]

ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]

Jesus points out two mutually exclusive choices: God vs. "mammon".

true Father God.
false Mother (mama, harlot) god (mammon), sand (ammo).

[without spots, opinion, glory, statement or question]

The historical usage of "mammon" in Hebrew is that of a confidence in one's own ability to do things (independent of God). That is a central idea of humanism. The modern Hebrew definition is that of "wealth".

The ancient Greek word "καταφρόνησις" ≈ "think badly of, hold in contempt, despise". Note that this can be done without the other person knowing. False leaders, false teachers, etc., will show an outward appearance that is different from their inside heart.

There appear to be some logical translation issues of what Jesus said. Let us investigate.

Items in a set can be partitioned into categories in many ways. Yes or no

Given a set:

There is a question or relation.
There are answers or equivalence sets (without an ordering)

Mutually exclusive means that "yes" or a "no" are distinct and cannot be both at the same time.
Collectively exhaustive means that everything must be either a "yes" or a "no". There are no other possibilities.

Question	Possible	Answers
Relation	Equivalence	Sets
Is it true?	yes	no
What sex are you?	male	female
Who do you serve?	God	mammon

More: Matthew 5:33-37 Reasoning about oaths - yes no

More: Equivalence relations: race

More: Sets: Mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]

ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]

… sufficiens … [v]

Paul appears to be saying that there is a "virtue" in "self-sufficiency". Some commentators will try to make this a verbal assault on the philosophy of the Stoics. Paul is just agreeing that in both God's view and in man's view, "self-sufficiency" can be good.

However, self-sufficiency outside of Christ's view is not good. Another name for the idea of "self-sufficiency" is that of "mammon".

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: [kjv]

δυνατει δε ο θεος πασαν χαριν περισσευσαι εις υμας ινα εν παντι παντοτε πασαν αυταρκειαν εχοντες περισσευητε εις παν εργον αγαθον [gnt]

… sufficientiam … [v]

How does changing "sufficiency" to "self-sufficiency" change the meaning of the verse?

This "self-sufficiency" is that of coming from God rather than from one's own efforts. A word for this in the GNT (Greek New Testament) from the Hebrew is "mammon"

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

Matthew 6:24 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. [kjv]

NIV (New International Version): No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

NLT (New Living Translation): No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Berean Literal Bible: No one is able to serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and he will love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and he will despise the other. You are not able to serve God and mammon.

Does this mean that if one does not serve "money" one is serving God? Explain.

The ancient Greek word "αγάπη" ≈ "totally devoted to, love" from which we get the word "agape".

The difference between "God is love" and "Love is god" can be subtle and deceptive - especially when spoken without the distinction between the one and only creator "God" and a "god" as in an idol or a desire.

This fallacy is common, covered extensively by Aristotle, and called the converse fallacy as one of many names describing it.

More: Converse fallacy: If A then B does not mean If B then A

More: Love is the only way

The same word for "love" is used for what men (by nature) love. It appears that the Apostle John is purposely making this distinction.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [kjv]

αυτη δε εστιν η κρισις οτι το φως εληλυθεν εις τον κοσμον και ηγαπησαν οι ανθρωποι μαλλον το σκοτος η το φως ην γαρ αυτων πονηρα τα εργα [gnt]

12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. [kjv]

ηγαπησαν γαρ την δοξαν των ανθρωπων μαλλον ηπερ την δοξαν του θεου [gnt]

The idea that "Love" is god is that of love of anything other than Jesus and God is a "god" rather than Jesus and God. Love as a total devotion can be considered as a "desire".

God's desire is that man desire (love) God.
Man's (natural) desire is that God desires (loves) man (such that man is in control and gets to do what is desired).

More: Love is the only way

Matthew 6:24 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. [kjv]

ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "αγάπη" ≈ "totally devoted to, love" from which we get the word "agape".

The ancient Greek word "μισέω" ≈ "hate" and is from "μῖσος" ≈ "hatred, hate" and appears to be pre-Greek in origin. It is the source of the first part of the English word "misogynist" as someone who "hates" "women". Jesus says that the world will "hate" his followers because the world "hates" Jesus (and God). The church is the bride of Christ who is the groom. Does this make the (people in the) "world" that of a "misogynist"?

More: Love is the only way

More: John 21:24-25 Giving way to the gospel writing style of John

Matthew 6:24

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμμωνα μαμωνα

Latin: nemo potest duobus dominis servire aut enim unum odio habebit et alterum diliget aut unum sustinebit et alterum contemnet non potestis Deo servire et mamonae

Wessex: Nemo potest duobus dominis seruire. R. Ne mayg nam man twam hlaferden þeowian. oððe he soðliche aenne hateð. & oþerne lufað. oððe he beoð anen gehersum. & oðren ungehersum. Ne magen ge gode þeowian & weorld-weolan.

Wycliffe: No man may serue tweyn lordis, for ethir he schal hate`the toon, and loue the tother; ethir he shal susteyne`the toon, and dispise the tothir. Ye moun not serue God and richessis.

Tyndale: No ma can serve two masters. For ether he shall hate the one and love the other: or els he shall lene to ye one and despise ye other: ye can not serve God and mammon.

Gothic: ni manna mag twaim fraujam skalkinon; unte jabai fijaith ainana, jah antharana frijoth; aiththau ainamma ufhauseith, ith antharamma frakann. ni maguth guda skalkinon jah mammonin.

Luther: Niemand kann zweien Herren dienen. Entweder er wird einen hassen und den andern lieben, oder wird einem anhangen und den andern verachten. Ihr könnt nicht Gott dienen und dem Mammon.

Slavonic: Никтоже может двема господинома работати: любо единаго возлюбит, а другаго возненавидит: или единаго держится, о друзем же нерадити начнет. Не можете Богу работати и мамоне.

Russian: Никто не может служить двум господам: ибо или одного будет ненавидеть, а другого любить; или одному станет усердствовать, а о другом нерадеть. Не можете служить Богу и маммоне.

Spanish: Ninguno puede servir a dos señores; porque o aborrecerá al uno, y amará al otro; o apreciará al uno, y menospreciará al otro. No podéis servir a Dios y a las riquezas.

Portuguese: Ninguém pode servir a dois senhores: ou não gostará de um deles e estimará o outro, ou se dedicará a um e desprezará o outro. Não podeis servir a Deus e ao dinheiro. »

*G472 *4 ἀντέχομαι (an-tekh'-om-ahee) : from G473 and the middle voice of G2192; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for:--hold fast, hold to, support.

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ανθεξεται *2

Matthew 6:24 ... love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise ...
Luke 16:13 ... love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise ...

αντεχεσθε

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ... unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

αντεχομενον

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that ...

*G472 *4 ἀντέχομαι (an-tekh'-om-ahee) : from G473 and the middle voice of G2192; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for:--hold fast, hold to, support.

Words: ανθεξεται=2 αντεχεσθε αντεχομενον

The exact word used by Jesus in Matthew 6:24 is the same word used for a similar verse in Luke. The ancient Greek word "ἀντέχω" ≈ "hold (hand) in front, sustain resistance, refuse, preserve" and means, literally, "in place of having/holding".

"αντι" ≈ "in place of".
"ἔχω" ≈ "have, hold".

Since some of the meanings appear to be opposites, a context is needed to determine which meaning is most appropriate.

More: The prefix anti in place of against

Matthew 6:24 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. [kjv]

ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]

There are a number of symmetry words used in this verse which can fit either "master" as opposites.

abstract attitude	hate	love (devoted to)
concrete action	ignore (despise)	hold in front
masters	God	mammon (self‑sufficiency)

It appears that hate and ignore (despise) go together.
It appears that love (devoted to) and hold in front go together.

The word "mammon" may be a play on words (to be added).

The word "mammon", of Semitic origin and often had to do with money and what was associated with money.

The Hebrew word "ממון" (mammon) ≈ "money".

The modern Hebrew word "ממון" (mamon) ≈ "wealth"

The ancient Greek word "μαμωνᾶς" ≈ "mammon" and comes from the Hebrew (or Aramaic).

The same idea in ancient Greek philosophy is that of "self-sufficiency".

The Hebrew word for "mammon" is not in the Hebrew OT (Old Testament) but is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls or Qumran documents.

There is a Syrian deity by a similar name that is the god of "riches".

Augustine, whose native language was Punic in north Africa, states that a similar Punic word meant "profit".

*G3126 *4 μαμμωνᾶς (mam-mo-nas') : of Chaldee origin (confidence, i.e. wealth, personified); mammonas, i.e. avarice (deified):--mammon.

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μαμωνα *4

Matthew 6:24 ... God and mammon.
Luke 16:9 ... friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Luke 16:11 ... in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Luke 16:13 ... God and mammon.

The context of this verse is the Sermon of the Mount a few verses after those on "treasure".

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [kjv]

6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [kjv]

6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [kjv]

Many of the words in the KJV (King James Version) have a different meaning in the Greek. Jesus uses some play on word in these verses.

Can you take your treasure with you? Have you ever seen a hearse (on the way to a graveyard) pulling a U-Haul (with possessions, etc.)? Is treasure mental or physical (or both)? Jesus talks of a way to take you "treasure" with you.

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry no thing out. [kjv]

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

Matthew 6:24 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. [kjv]

ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]

Let us look at a logical analysis of the verse spoken by Jesus 3 verses later.

Hebrew or Aramaic sayings often use a semantic type of poetry whereby similar (or opposite, etc.) ideas are repeated. The redundancy acts as a fault tolerant way to communicate meaning.

Let us use a Venn diagram to represent "you cannot serve God and mammon".

"G" represents "God".
"M" represents "Mammon", often translated as "Money", or "self-sufficiency" (similar Greek philosophy idea).

The intersection of the two sets is where one serves both "God" and "Money". Jesus says you cannot do this.

To understand this, we need the negation of that intersection of "God" and "Money". Let us first use a more formal way to prove the negation and then do it visually.

The negated conjunction can be expressed as the following.

Expression tree	Truth table	English
	G M \| ! ( G & M ) ----------------- 0 0 \| 1 ( 0 0 0 ) 0 1 \| 1 ( 0 0 1 ) 1 0 \| 1 ( 1 0 0 ) 1 1 \| 0 ( 1 1 1 )

It is not true that one can serve both God and Money.

"!" is "not".
"&" is "and".
"G" is "God".
"M" is "Money".

This Boolean logic is named after George Boole (1815-1864).

The negated conjunction can be expressed as the follows.

Expression tree	Truth table	English:
	G M \| ( ! G ) \| ( ! M ) ----------------------- 0 0 \| ( 1 0 ) 1 ( 1 0 ) 0 1 \| ( 1 0 ) 1 ( 0 1 ) 1 0 \| ( 0 1 ) 1 ( 1 0 ) 1 1 \| ( 0 1 ) 0 ( 0 1 )	Either one does not serve God or one does not serve Money or neither. "\|" is inclusive "or". "!" is "not".

This equivalence is named after Augustus De Morgan (1806-1871).

More: DeMorgan's Laws

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2

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More: DeMorgan's Laws

These two sides can be proven to be equal using a truth table proof.

Expression tree	Extended truth table
	G M \| ( ! ( G & M ) ) = ( ( ! G ) \| ( ! M ) ) --------------------------------------------- 0 0 \| ( 1 ( 0 0 0 ) ) 1 ( ( 1 0 ) 1 ( 1 0 ) ) 0 1 \| ( 1 ( 0 0 1 ) ) 1 ( ( 1 0 ) 1 ( 0 1 ) ) 1 0 \| ( 1 ( 1 0 0 ) ) 1 ( ( 0 1 ) 1 ( 1 0 ) ) 1 1 \| ( 0 ( 1 1 1 ) ) 1 ( ( 0 1 ) 0 ( 0 1 ) )

The column under the "=" is always "1" so this is a "tautology".

Venn diagram with letters	Expanded Venn diagram

Let us now look at the above proof in visual terms using an expanded Venn diagram with text rather than just single letters.

Since one cannot serve the intersection, "God and Money", we need the logical negation of the intersection.

Before negation	After negation

The logical negation of the intersection "God and Money" can be that one serves "God", one serves "Money" or one serves "something else".

Positive logic often does not need to address the "something else". Negative logic does need to address the "something else".

Negation appears in the Greek with the prefix "a" or "α" in words such as "atheist". It appears in the many Greek words. The Greek word for "truth" can be interpreted as "not oblivion" or "reality".

More: Greek truth as reality

The Greek word for "sin" can be interpreted as anything that is "not a witness" to God.

More: A martyred witness to a translation error

How do you reply what asked if you would like a piece of pie or a piece of cake?

Exclusive "or": Pick one and only one.
Inclusive "or": Pick one or both. I will take both.

Most people are used to exclusive "or".

Computer programmers take the "or" as a "logical" or "inclusive" "or". The negation of a conditional (statement) is needed with an inclusive "or" in order to address the something else of the conditional (statement).

More: Two-valued logic: Operators

Since ideas such as "negation" can become confusing, it is best to use logic rules as one does algebra - to transform equations and get results without having to think about what it means until the final result.

There are two parts that Jesus needs to address to provide the Hebrew poetic semantic repetition for "you cannot serve God and Money". These are:

(1) "either he will hate the one, and love the other"
or (2) "he will hold to the one, and despise the other"

Case (1) handles "God" and "Money". Case (2) also appears to handle "God" and "Money". This leaves a hole in the logic. The "something else" is not addressed! Would Jesus leave such a logical hole? Perhaps the translation needs investigated.

One way to handle the "something else" is as follows.

"He will flatter or pay lip service to the one" as in a flowery way since the Greek word has to do with the blossoms of flowers.
"He will quietly despise or otherwise deceive the other" in a "prudent" or "opportunistic" manner which is in line with the Greek word used.

The result of this is that "he" is serving "something else" besides "God" or "Money".

Omitting the "something else" is very convenient for anyone wanting to avoid violation of this verse. The logic goes as follows.

One cannot serve God and Money.
I am not serving Money.
Therefore I must be serving God.

It appears that, in response to this (faulty) logic, the definition of "Money" or "Mammon" has been expanded over time to account for the otherwise unappreciated hole in the logic - as evident from the translation.

It might be better to fix the hole rather than just patch it with some revised definitions.

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. [kjv]

και επηνεσεν ο κυριος τον οικονομον της αδικιας οτι φρονιμως εποιησεν οτι οι υιοι του αιωνος τουτου φρονιμωτεροι υπερ τους υιους του φωτος εις την γενεαν την εαυτων εισιν [gnt]

Let us look at the verses after parable of the unjust steward in Luke since Luke uses "mammon" three times in five verses. The unjust servant, knowing he was to be demoted, goes out and cancels debts so that he will be able to do better after his demotion. Jesus commends the behavior in a certain way.

The KJV translates as "wise" the Greek word that means "prudent" as in finding an acceptable solution within constraints.

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

More: A prudent approach to a wise understanding

More: A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent

Luke 16:8

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KJV: And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Greek: και επηνεσεν ο κυριος τον οικονομον της αδικιας οτι φρονιμως εποιησεν οτι οι υιοι του αιωνος τουτου φρονιμωτεροι υπερ τους υιους του φωτος εις την γενεαν την εαυτων εισιν

Luke then uses the word "mammon" in 3 verses within a 6 verse span.

Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. [kjv]

και εγω υμιν λεγω εαυτοις ποιησατε φιλους εκ του μαμωνα της αδικιας ινα οταν εκλιπη δεξωνται υμας εις τας αιωνιους σκηνας [gnt]

16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. [kjv]

ο πιστος εν ελαχιστω και εν πολλω πιστος εστιν και ο εν ελαχιστω αδικος και εν πολλω αδικος εστιν [gnt]

Luke 16:9

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KJV: And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Greek: καγω και εγω υμιν λεγω ποιησατε εαυτοις ποιησατε φιλους εκ του μαμωνα της αδικιας ινα οταν εκλιπητε εκλιπη δεξωνται υμας εις τας αιωνιους σκηνας

Latin: et ego vobis dico facite vobis amicos de mamona iniquitatis ut cum defeceritis recipiant vos in aeterna tabernacula

Wessex: And ic segge eow wyrceð eow freond of þisse werold-weolen unrihtwisnesse. þaet hyo un-fon eow on echen earding-stowen þonne ge ge-teoriað.

Tyndale: And I saye also vnto you: make you frendes of the wicked mammon that when ye shall departe they may receave you into everlastinge habitacions.

Luther: Und ich sage euch auch: Machet euch Freunde mit dem ungerechten Mammon, auf daß, wenn ihr nun darbet, sie euch aufnehmen in die ewigen Hütten.

Luke 16:10

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KJV: He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Greek: ο πιστος εν ελαχιστω και εν πολλω πιστος εστιν και ο εν ελαχιστω αδικος και εν πολλω αδικος εστιν

Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? [kjv]

ει ουν εν τω αδικω μαμωνα πιστοι ουκ εγενεσθε το αληθινον τις υμιν πιστευσει [gnt]

16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? [kjv]

Luke 16:11

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KJV: If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Greek: ει ουν εν τω αδικω μαμωνα πιστοι ουκ εγενεσθε το αληθινον τις υμιν πιστευσει

Latin: si ergo in iniquo mamona fideles non fuistis quod verum est quis credet vobis

Wessex: Gyf ge on unrihtwisen weordwelan naeren ge-treowe. hwa be-taecð eow þaet eower is.

Luther: So ihr nun in dem ungerechten Mammon nicht treu seid, wer will euch das Wahrhaftige vertrauen?

Luke 16:12

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KJV: And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Greek: και ει εν τω αλλοτριω πιστοι ουκ εγενεσθε το υμετερον ημετερον τις υμιν δωσει υμιν

Luke 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. [kjv]

ουδεις οικετης δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]

The next verse uses the Greek word for "love of silver" and translated in the KJV as "covetous".

16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. [kjv]

ηκουον δε ταυτα παντα οι φαρισαιοι φιλαργυροι υπαρχοντες και εξεμυκτηριζον αυτον [gnt]

More: Matthew 13: A pointed discussion of thorny riches

Luke 16:13

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ουδεις οικετης δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα

Tyndale: No servaunt can serve. ii. masters for other he shall hate ye one and love ye other or els he shall lene to the one and despyse the other. Ye can not serve God and mammon.

Luther: Kein Hausknecht kann zweien Herren dienen; entweder er wird einen hassen und den andern lieben, oder wird einem anhangen und den andern verachten. Ihr könnet nicht Gott samt dem Mammon dienen.

Luke 16:14

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KJV: And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Greek: ηκουον δε ταυτα παντα και οι φαρισαιοι φιλαργυροι υπαρχοντες και εξεμυκτηριζον αυτον

Latin: audiebant autem omnia haec Pharisaei qui erant avari et deridebant illum

Wycliffe: But the Farisees, that weren coueytous, herden alle these thingis, and thei scorneden hym.

Tyndale: All these thinges herde the pharises also which were coveteous and they mocked him.

Spanish: Y oían también todas estas cosas los fariseos, los cuales eran avaros, y se burlaban deÉl.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. [kjv]

αγαπων αργυριον ου πλησθησεται αργυριου και τις ηγαπησεν εν πληθει αυτων γενημα και γε τουτο ματαιοτης [lxx]

In English, one says things like "I love pizza", "I love football", etc. Agape love is usually taken as meaning an unconditional form of love.

A better definition is that of being totally devoted to something, is in "totally devoted" "to" "football", etc. This same idea is found in many Bible verses in the GNT and LXX (Septuagint).

One could add examples such as the following.

He that loveth "golf", ...
He that loveth "football", ...
And so on.

More: Love is the only way

Ecclesiastes 5:10

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KJV: He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Hebrew: אהב כסף לא ישבע כסף ומי אהב בהמון לא תבואה גם זה הבל׃

Greek: αγαπων αργυριον ου πλησθησεται αργυριου και τις ηγαπησεν εν πληθει αυτων γενημα και γε τουτο ματαιοτης

Jeremiah has some verses that appear to describe an expanded idea of "mammon" in Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: [kjv]

9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. [kjv]

Jeremiah 9:23

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KJV: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

Hebrew: כה אמר יהוה אל יתהלל חכם בחכמתו ואל יתהלל הגבור בגבורתו אל יתהלל עשיר בעשרו׃

Greek: ταδε λεγει κυριος μη καυχασθω ο σοφος εν τη σοφια αυτου και μη καυχασθω ο ισχυρος εν τη ισχυι αυτου και μη καυχασθω ο πλουσιος εν τω πλουτω αυτου

Jeremiah 9:24

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KJV: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Hebrew: כי אם בזאת יתהלל המתהלל השכל וידע אותי כי אני יהוה עשה חסד משפט וצדקה בארץ כי באלה חפצתי נאם יהוה׃

Greek: αλλ η εν τουτω καυχασθω ο καυχωμενος συνιειν και γινωσκειν οτι εγω ειμι κυριος ποιων ελεος και κριμα και δικαιοσυνην επι της γης οτι εν τουτοις το θελημα μου λεγει κυριος

Proverbs 3:5 appears to address part of the expanded idea of "mammon".

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [kjv]

ισθι πεποιθως εν ολη καρδια επι θεω επι δε ση σοφια μη επαιρου [lxx]

Proverbs 3:5

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KJV: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Hebrew: בטח אל יהוה בכל לבך ואל בינתך אל תשען׃

Greek: ισθι πεποιθως εν ολη καρδια επι θεω επι δε ση σοφια μη επαιρου

Brenton: Trust in God with all your heart; and be not exalted in your own wisdom.

*G299 *0 ἄμωμος (am'-o-mos) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G3470; unblemished (literally or figuratively):--without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblamable.

Words: αμωμα αμωμοι αμωμον=2 αμωμος αμωμου αμωμους=3

The Greek word for "mammon" can a play on words with a Greek word meaning "without blemish" as in "without spots". There is no associated word for "spots" but a play on words does not depend on that.

"ἄμωμος" ≈ "without blemish, without spots".
"μαμωνᾶς" ≈ "mammon" and comes from the Hebrew (or Aramaic).

*G299 *0 ἄμωμος (am'-o-mos) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G3470; unblemished (literally or figuratively):--without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblamable.

Usage

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αμωμους *3

Ephesians 1:4 ... should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Colossians 1:22 ... you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in ...
Jude 1:24 ... from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his ...

αμωμον *2

Hebrews 9:14 ... Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your ...
Revelation 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, ...

αμωμος

Ephesians 5:27 ... it should be holy and without blemish.

αμωμα

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons ...

αμωμου

1 Peter 1:19 ... of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

αμωμοι

Revelation 14:5 ... guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [kjv]

καθως εξελεξατο ημας εν αυτω προ καταβολης κοσμου ειναι ημας αγιους και αμωμους κατενωπιον αυτου εν αγαπη [gnt]

5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [kjv]

ινα παραστηση αυτος εαυτω ενδοξον την εκκλησιαν μη εχουσαν σπιλον η ρυτιδα η τι των τοιουτων αλλ ινα η αγια και αμωμος [gnt]

Ephesians 1:4

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KJV: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Greek: καθως εξελεξατο ημας εν αυτω προ καταβολης κοσμου ειναι ημας αγιους και αμωμους κατενωπιον αυτου εν αγαπη

Ephesians 5:27

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KJV: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Greek: ινα παραστηση αυτην αυτος εαυτω ενδοξον την εκκλησιαν μη εχουσαν σπιλον η ρυτιδα η τι των τοιουτων αλλ ινα η αγια και αμωμος

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [kjv]

ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμα μεσον γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω [gnt]

Philippians 2:15

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KJV: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Greek: ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμητα εν μεσω αμωμα μεσον γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω

Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [kjv]

εν τω σωματι της σαρκος αυτου δια του θανατου παραστησαι υμας αγιους και αμωμους και ανεγκλητους κατενωπιον αυτου [gnt]

Colossians 1:22

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KJV: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Greek: εν τω σωματι της σαρκος αυτου δια του θανατου παραστησαι υμας αγιους και αμωμους και ανεγκλητους κατενωπιον αυτου

1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [kjv]

αλλα τιμιω αιματι ως αμνου αμωμου και ασπιλου χριστου [gnt]

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. [kjv]

διο αγαπητοι ταυτα προσδοκωντες σπουδασατε ασπιλοι και αμωμητοι αυτω ευρεθηναι εν ειρηνη [gnt]

1 Peter 1:19

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KJV: But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Greek: αλλα τιμιω αιματι ως αμνου αμωμου και ασπιλου χριστου

2 Peter 3:14

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KJV: Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Greek: διο αγαπητοι ταυτα προσδοκωντες σπουδασατε ασπιλοι και αμωμητοι αυτω ευρεθηναι εν ειρηνη

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [kjv]

τω δε δυναμενω φυλαξαι υμας απταιστους και στησαι κατενωπιον της δοξης αυτου αμωμους εν αγαλλιασει [gnt]

Jude 1:24

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KJV: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Greek: τω δε δυναμενω φυλαξαι αυτους υμας απταιστους και στησαι κατενωπιον της δοξης αυτου αμωμους εν αγαλλιασει

Revelation 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. [kjv]

και εν τω στοματι αυτων ουχ ευρεθη ψευδος αμωμοι εισιν [gnt]

Revelation 14:5

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KJV: And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Greek: και εν τω στοματι αυτων ουχ ευρεθη δολος ψευδος αμωμοι γαρ εισιν ενωπιον του θρονου του θεου

Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. [kjv]

γινωσκει κυριος τας οδους των αμωμων και η κληρονομια αυτων εις τον αιωνα εσται [lxx]

Psalms 37:18

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KJV: The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

Hebrew: יודע יהוה ימי תמימם ונחלתם לעולם תהיה׃

Greek: γινωσκει κυριος τας οδους των αμωμων και η κληρονομια αυτων εις τον αιωνα εσται

Psalms 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. [kjv]

ψαλω και συνησω εν οδω αμωμω ποτε ηξεις προς με διεπορευομην εν ακακια καρδιας μου εν μεσω του οικου μου [lxx]

Psalms 101:2

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KJV: I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Hebrew: אשכילה בדרך תמים מתי תבוא אלי אתהלך בתם לבבי בקרב ביתי׃

Greek: ψαλω και συνησω εν οδω αμωμω ποτε ηξεις προς με διεπορευομην εν ακακια καρδιας μου εν μεσω του οικου μου

Psalms 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. [kjv]

οι οφθαλμοι μου επι τους πιστους της γης του συγκαθησθαι αυτους μετ εμου πορευομενος εν οδω αμωμω ουτος μοι ελειτουργει [lxx]

Psalms 101:6

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KJV: Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Hebrew: עיני בנאמני ארץ לשבת עמדי הלך בדרך תמים הוא ישרתני׃

Greek: οι οφθαλμοι μου επι τους πιστους της γης του συγκαθησθαι αυτους μετ εμου πορευομενος εν οδω αμωμω ουτος μοι ελειτουργει

Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [kjv]

διερραγκα την κοιτην μου κροκω τον δε οικον μου κινναμωμω [lxx]

I have sprinkled my couch with saffron, and my house with cinnamon. [bs3]

The Greek word for "cinnamon" has the word for "without blemish" or "without spots" in it. This may or may not be important or valid.

Proverbs 7:17

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KJV: I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Hebrew: נפתי משכבי מר אהלים וקנמון׃

Greek: διερραγκα την κοιτην μου κροκω τον δε οικον μου κινναμωμω

Brenton: I have sprinkled my couch with saffron, and my house with cinnamon.