Brief Overview of γάζα (G1047: Gaza)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γάζα (transliterated as gaza and pronounced GAH-zah) is derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning “treasure” or “royal treasury.” In the New Testament, γάζα primarily refers to a treasury or a place where treasures are kept. This term is used to denote a storage place for wealth, particularly within a royal or temple context. Its usage emphasizes the importance of wealth and the safeguarding of valuable resources.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), gaza is identified as a treasury, specifically a place where royal or temple treasures are stored. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon further elaborates that the term is of Persian origin, highlighting its association with wealth and resources that are carefully protected.

The term gaza is used in the New Testament, most notably in Acts 8:27, where it is mentioned in the context of the Ethiopian eunuch who was in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians, Candace: “And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship.”

This verse underscores the importance of the eunuch’s role as a guardian of the royal treasury, indicating the trust and authority vested in him by the queen. It also reflects the broader socio-political significance of treasuries in the ancient world, as they were central to the administration of wealth and power.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, gaza is not a commonly used term. However, its roots in Persian culture reflect its integration into Greek through contact with the Persian Empire. The term gaza would have been understood in the Hellenistic world, particularly in areas influenced by Persian administration, as referring to a treasury or storehouse for valuable items.

Examples of similar terms and concepts can be found in works by Herodotus and Xenophon, who describe the treasuries of kings and temples in the context of their historical accounts. These references illustrate the central role of treasuries in ancient governance and religion, where they served as repositories of wealth and symbols of state power.

Summary:
The term γάζα (gaza) in the New Testament context refers to a treasury or place where treasures are kept, drawing from its Persian origins associated with royal wealth. Used in Acts 8:27 to describe the Ethiopian eunuch’s role as the keeper of Queen Candace’s treasury, the term highlights the importance of wealth management in the ancient world. While not widely used in classical Greek literature, the concept of a treasury was well understood, particularly in the context of Persian and Hellenistic influences. The term gaza serves as a reminder of the significance of wealth and its careful preservation in both religious and governmental contexts in antiquity.