Gr. ho heteros, that is, another of different kind or quality. When another of the same kind is intended the Greek word allos is used (see ch. 5:39). Although it might conceivably be possible to “serve two masters” whose character and interests are the same, it is certainly not possible to do so when their character and interests are in conflict.

 That is, two whose characters and interests are different (see next page under “The other”). It is no more possible to “serve two masters” than it is to focus the sight intently upon two things at one time or to concentrate the thought upon more than one idea at a given moment. To attempt to serve God with a divided heart is to be unstable in all one’s ways (see James 1:8). The Christian religion cannot accept the role of being one influence among many. Its influence, if present at all in the life, must necessarily be supreme and must control all other influences, bringing the life into harmony with its principles.

 Or, “no one.” Compare Luke 16:13.

That is, be devoted to one of the two masters.

 There is no neutral position. He who is not wholly on God’s side is effectively, and for all practical purposes, on the devil’s side. Darkness and light cannot occupy the same space at the same moment of time. It is impossible to serve both God and mammon because their demands are irreconcilable. Those who serve mammon are its slaves, and do its bidding in spite of themselves (Rom. 6:16).

Transliterated from the Aramaic mamon or mamona’, meaning “wealth” of every kind. It is not a proper name unless wealth be personified.