Matthew 6:24

Lord Mammon

The Greek term μαμωνᾶς (mamōnas), found in the New Testament, is often translated as "wealth" or "riches" and is personified as a master that competes with God for loyalty.  The etymology of "μαμωνᾶς" provides deeper insight into its meaning. It is derived from the Chaldean term מאמונא (mamona), which is associated with trust and reliance, being derived from the Hebrew אמן aman meaning to trust, believe, support. This led to certain interpretations of "money" or "wealth" as a common thing people trust in (according to Gesenius is contracted from the Hebrew word מטמון (matmon Strongs #4301), meaning "hidden treasure" or "buried treasure.").

The Hebrew term אמונה (amunah) means "faith/trust/confidence" 

The Hebrew word מאמונה (ma'amunā) comes from the root אמנ (’mn), which is related to ideas of faith, trust, and reliability (as seen in אמונה (emunah), meaning faith or trustworthiness). However, מאמונה has a distinct meaning, usually related to concepts of trust, reliability, or faithfulness in a more practical or functional sense.

מאמונה Someone who is trusted:

1. Trust / Faithfulness – In Aramaic, מאמונה refers to the concept of being entrusted or reliable, often indicating someone who is trusted or someone appointed to a role of responsibility.

2. Appointed Overseer or Guardian – It can also refer to someone who is appointed to a position of responsibility, such as a steward, warden, or guardian. This is often the sense in Jewish Aramaic literature, particularly in the Talmud, where מַאֲמוּנָה might describe a guardian of something or someone entrusted with a task or responsibility.

Etymology and Morphology:

• Root: The root א־מ־נ (’mn) is connected to trust and faith, as seen in the related words אֱמוּנָה (emunah, faith) and מָמוֹנָא (māmōnā, wealth).

• Pattern: The word מאמונה would be a passive participle in Aramaic, derived from the root, and denotes something or someone that is entrusted, faithful, or reliable. Is it riches? Or, a person?

The key meaning here lies in the personification. Mammon is also personifed as a master or lord, and thus one representing the power of אמונה "faith", placed in a person of trust. As a master or lord, Mammon would thus be one demanding trust, devotion, faith.