Brief Overview of Γαζοφυλάκιον (G1049: Gazophylakion)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γαζοφυλάκιον (transliterated as gazophylakion and pronounced gah-zo-FEE-lah-kee-on) refers to the “treasury” or “treasury box” in the context of a temple. This word is a compound of two Greek terms: γάζα (gaza), meaning “treasure” or “riches,” and φυλάκιον (phylakion), meaning “guard” or “watch.” Together, they convey the idea of a place where treasure is guarded or stored.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), gazophylakion specifically denotes the treasury in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, where offerings and monetary gifts were deposited. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also supports this definition, emphasizing its use as the receptacle for donations within the temple. The word is used primarily in the New Testament to describe the place where Jesus observed the contributions of the wealthy and the widow’s offering.

In the New Testament, the word gazophylakion appears in two passages: Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. In Mark 12:41, the text says, “And he sat down opposite the treasury (gazophylakion) and watched the people putting money into the offering box.” Here, Jesus is depicted as watching the contributions being made to the temple, and it is in this context that He observes the widow’s offering of two small coins, which He commends as being more significant than the large sums given by the wealthy.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, the term gazophylakion was not commonly used outside the specific context of temple treasuries or places where valuables were stored. The concept of a guarded or secure place for wealth was important in ancient cultures, but the specific term gazophylakion appears to be more closely tied to the Jewish and later Christian context of religious offerings.

For example, the Greek historian Herodotus mentions treasuries in the context of Persian wealth, but the specific term gazophylakion is not used. The concept, however, is similar, as it refers to places where wealth was stored and guarded.

Another example can be found in the writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, who frequently discusses the temple and its various functions, including the role of the treasury, though again, the exact term gazophylakion might not be directly cited.

Summary:
The word γαζοφυλάκιον (gazophylakion) in Greek refers to a treasury, particularly within a temple context. It is a compound word combining the ideas of treasure and guarding, reflecting its function as a place where valuable offerings were stored and protected. In the New Testament, it is used in passages where Jesus observes the offerings made to the temple, highlighting the widow’s small but significant contribution. While the term has its roots in the broader concept of treasuries in ancient cultures, its specific use is primarily tied to the religious practices of the Jewish temple. The word captures the intersection of religious duty, economic reality, and spiritual insight as seen in the New Testament narratives.