Notes on Moths

In Mathew 6:20 the bible speaks of treasure that can not be consumed by moth or rust. Moth in this instance is from the Hebrew word Ses. The Ses is our common clothes moth, Lepidoptera: Tineidae. (See Clothes Moth for information on the moth) These moths eat primarily wool and occasionally cotton if it is soiled and in close proximity to wool.

The relationship of clothes moths to treasure gives us a view of wealth in Biblical times. Obviously there were no Savings Bonds or Bank CDs when Jesus preached. If one wanted to store value then metal especially "precious metals" land, jewelry and cloth were important investment oppertunities. Cloth was especailly important because it was accessable and if protected from moths was stable.

References in Scripture

Mathew 6:20

6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

To Understand my faith better I have decided to construct these pages. They are strictly educational, non-commercial and to foster scholarly discussion. All Bible quotes are from the American Standard Version unless otherwise stated. I use the ASV because while not a perfect translation it is literal and out of Copyright. All mistakes are my own and if you differ from my thoughts I welcome your comments. J. Barry O'Connell Jr.