Mammon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
mammon
[หmรฆmษn ]
Definition
wealth, greed
Mammon is often used to refer to wealth or material riches, especially when one places an excessive value on them. In a broader sense, it symbolizes greed and the pursuit of money at the expense of spiritual or moral values.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He worshiped Mammon above all else.
- The pursuit of Mammon can lead to moral decay.
- In today's society, Mammon seems to reign supreme.
Translations
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Origin of 'mammon'
The term 'Mammon' originates from the Aramaic word 'mฤmmรดnฤ', which means 'wealth' or 'money'. It is often personified as a deity or a false god that represents greed and the corrupting influence of material wealth. The phrase 'You cannot serve God and Mammon' is found in the New Testament of the Bible (Matthew 6:24), emphasizing the moral conflict between spiritual devotion and the pursuit of wealth. Over time, Mammon has been used in literature and discussions to critique the excessive desire for wealth and its impact on human character and society. From medieval times, the depiction of Mammon has evolved into a symbol for capitalist excess, appearing in various cultural and artistic references, suggesting that the pursuit of material wealth often leads to spiritual emptiness.