Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of New Testament texts. The Greek word θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō) is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of “storing up” or “laying up treasure,” both in literal and metaphorical senses. This word frequently appears in the New Testament to discuss spiritual wealth versus material wealth, urging believers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly ones. Recognizing the usage of θησαυρίζω deepens our understanding of biblical teachings on possessions, values, and the afterlife and provides insight into ancient Greek culture where treasuring material wealth was a common practice.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō) [thay-sow-REE-zoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the noun θησαυρός (thēsauros), meaning “treasure” or “storehouse.” The verb θησαυρίζω means “to store up” or “to lay up in a treasure.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe the action of accumulating or storing something valuable.
• Grammatical Details: Omega verb; present tense; conjugated to indicate continuous or repeated action.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To store up treasure: To accumulate valuable items or wealth, often implying careful preservation.
• To lay up: To set aside or reserve something, especially in preparation for future use.
• To hoard: To collect and keep large amounts of something, usually with the implication of selfishness or over-accumulation.

Similar Words: συνάγω (synagō) [soo-NAH-go] is another Greek verb meaning “to gather” or “to bring together.” While συνάγω focuses on the act of gathering items or people together, θησαυρίζω specifically implies storing up valuable items as a treasure. Another related word is φυλάσσω (phylassō) [foo-LA-soh], which means “to guard” or “to keep safe.” θησαυρίζω differs by emphasizing the act of accumulating treasures rather than merely guarding them.

Further Insights: As an omega verb, θησαυρίζω follows a regular pattern of conjugation typical of Greek verbs. Here is the full conjugation of θησαυρίζω in the present active indicative:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θησαυρίζω is defined as “to store up, to accumulate treasure.” BDAG emphasizes its usage in both literal and metaphorical senses, particularly in contexts where spiritual wealth is contrasted with material wealth. It highlights its frequent use in New Testament teachings on the proper focus of a believer’s values.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θησαυρίζω as “to lay up, store up, or hoard,” indicating both positive and negative connotations. It explains that the term is used to encourage believers to store up spiritual treasures rather than earthly ones, aligning one’s life with divine priorities.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s notes that θησαυρίζω is used to convey the idea of saving or accumulating something valuable, often in a way that contrasts temporal wealth with eternal rewards. The dictionary discusses its metaphorical usage in biblical passages where it refers to the accumulation of virtues or divine blessings.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a broad overview of θησαυρίζω, from its basic meaning of “to treasure up” in a literal sense to more abstract uses where it implies gathering wisdom or spiritual insight. The lexicon highlights its appearance in philosophical and rhetorical contexts, where it denotes prudent preparation or wise accumulation.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2343. Strong’s defines θησαυρίζω as “to store up, to treasure,” emphasizing its use in New Testament contexts where spiritual and moral lessons are being taught about the proper use and focus of wealth. The concordance references passages that highlight the difference between earthly and heavenly treasures.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 6:19-20: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures (θησαυρίζετε) upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures (θησαυρίζετε) in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
• Luke 12:21: “So is he that layeth up treasure (θησαυρίζων) for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
• Romans 2:5: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up (θησαυρίζεις) unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θησαυρίζω (G2343)

The Greek verb θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō) primarily means “to store up treasure” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical literature. In biblical teachings, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth, aligning one’s values with heavenly rewards. The term appears frequently in Jesus’ teachings, particularly in the Gospels, where it is used to encourage a focus on eternal, rather than temporal, treasures. Understanding θησαυρίζω enriches our comprehension of biblical instructions on wealth, values, and spiritual preparation, as well as ancient Greek views on accumulation and virtue.

Did You Know?

The word θησαυρίζω is the root of the English word “thesaurus,” which literally means “a treasury” or “storehouse of words.” This etymology reflects the idea of accumulating a wealth of vocabulary or knowledge, much like the spiritual treasures discussed in biblical texts. The concept of a “treasury” of words underscores the value of storing up what is meaningful and beneficial for personal and intellectual growth.