Understanding γάζα (gaza) Strong’s G1047: The Royal Treasury that Reveals God’s Providence in the Ethiopian Eunuch’s Journey

Pronunciation Guide: GAH-zah (γά-ζα)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1047: The Greek word γάζα (gaza) refers specifically to a royal treasury or the royal coffers where a king’s wealth and valuable possessions were stored. In biblical context, it designates the official treasury of a foreign monarch, particularly of Persian origin. This term represents not merely wealth, but the organized collection and administration of royal resources for the kingdom’s purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Origin: Persian loanword (ganj/ganza) adopted into Greek
• Primary Usage: Administrative/governmental contexts
• Language Family: Indo-European via Persian
• Biblical Distribution: Appears only once in the New Testament (Acts 8:27)

γάζα Morphology:

• γάζα (nominative singular) – royal treasury
• γάζης (genitive singular) – of the royal treasury
• γάζῃ (dative singular) – in/with/by the royal treasury
• γάζαν (accusative singular) – the royal treasury (as direct object)
• γάζαι (nominative plural) – royal treasuries
• γαζῶν (genitive plural) – of the royal treasuries

Origin & History

The word γάζα has a fascinating journey through ancient languages before appearing in the Greek New Testament. It derives from the Old Persian “ganza” or “ganj,” meaning treasure or storehouse. This Persian term was adopted into Greek through cultural exchange during the Persian Empire’s influence over the Mediterranean world. Herodotus (5th century BCE) in his “Histories” (3.96) mentions the Persian royal treasuries using this term, noting how the Great King stored gold and silver in special chambers.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, γάζα appears in Ezra 5:17 and 6:1, referring to the treasure house of King Darius where official records were stored. The Jewish historian Josephus also employs this term in his “Antiquities of the Jews” (14.4.4) when describing the temple treasury. By the time of the New Testament, γάζα had become a recognized term for official royal treasuries, particularly those of non-Jewish monarchs.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Royal Treasury – The primary meaning referring to the physical location where a monarch’s wealth is stored
• Financial Administration – The system of managing royal finances and resources
• Storehouse of Valuables – A secure repository for precious items belonging to the kingdom
• Official Records Repository – Sometimes included documents and records of importance to the kingdom

γάζα Translation Options:

• “Treasury” – The most common English translation, though it lacks the specifically royal connotation of the original
• “Royal Treasury” – A more precise rendering that captures the governmental aspect
• “Exchequer” – A historically appropriate term for the financial department of a royal government
• “Royal Coffers” – Emphasizes the storage aspect while maintaining the royal connection
• “Royal Finances” – When referring to the administrative system rather than just the physical location

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γάζα appears only once, in Acts 8:27 where Luke describes an Ethiopian eunuch who was “in charge of all the treasury [γάζα] of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’).” This singular usage is significant, as it precisely identifies this man’s high position in the Ethiopian royal court. He wasn’t merely a treasurer but the administrator of the entire royal financial system – a position of tremendous trust and responsibility.

This specific usage shows Luke’s precision in vocabulary, utilizing a Persian loanword that had become the technical term for royal treasuries throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Luke could have used more common Greek terms for treasury (like θησαυρός/thesauros), but chose γάζα to emphasize the official, royal nature of the Ethiopian’s position.

• “So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury [γάζα] of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’).” Acts 8:27

Though the word appears only once in the New Testament, the Septuagint uses it in several places:

• “Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be a search made in the king’s treasure house [γάζῃ], which is there at Babylon…” Ezra 5:17 (LXX)
• “Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures [γάζαις] were laid up in Babylon.” Ezra 6:1 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

The position of treasurer to a foreign monarch was one of extraordinary significance in the ancient world. Such individuals controlled not only the wealth of kings but often had direct access to the monarch and significant political influence. In Ethiopian culture of the first century, the Kandake (or Candace) was the title for the queen mother or queen regent who often ruled while her son (the titular king) was considered too sacred to be involved in everyday affairs. That the Ethiopian eunuch supervised her treasury indicates he held one of the highest possible positions at court.

The term “eunuch” in this context may have been used in two possible ways: literally, as a castrated male who could safely serve in proximity to the royal women; or as a court title for officials, similar to how “vizier” was used in other cultures. Either way, his journey to Jerusalem to worship suggests he was either a Jewish proselyte or a “God-fearer” – a Gentile drawn to Jewish monotheism. His possession of an expensive Isaiah scroll further confirms his wealth and position, as such scrolls were costly and rare.

The γάζα he managed would have included not just gold and silver, but the entire economic resources of the Ethiopian kingdom – trade goods, tax revenues, land deeds, and international currency. This explains why such a high official was literate and educated enough to read Isaiah in Greek, yet humble enough to admit he needed guidance to understand the deeper meanings of Scripture.

Theological Significance

The appearance of γάζα in Acts 8:27 carries profound theological implications. Here we see a man of tremendous worldly position and responsibility – literally in charge of a nation’s wealth – yet spiritually hungry. This illustrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s truth that spiritual riches transcend material wealth. The Ethiopian managed vast treasures, yet recognized his poverty of understanding regarding the Scriptures.

Philip’s divine appointment with this treasury official beautifully demonstrates God’s sovereignty in salvation. The Holy Spirit specifically directed Philip to this chariot carrying an individual from a distant land who had political influence that could potentially spread the Gospel to regions beyond the Roman Empire. This encounter fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that “Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God” (Psalm 68:31) and anticipates the fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

The Ethiopian’s responsibility for the royal γάζα contrasts with the “treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:20) he discovered through faith in the Messiah. While he managed earthly wealth, he found the pearl of great price worth more than all treasures. His baptism symbolizes his recognition that the Messiah’s sacrifice was the true treasure – the payment for his salvation that no amount of royal wealth could purchase.

Personal Application

The Ethiopian eunuch’s story reminds us that no position of worldly importance or responsibility can fill our deepest spiritual needs. Like this man who managed royal treasuries yet humbly asked, “How can I understand unless someone guides me?”, we too must approach Scripture with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit’s illumination regardless of our education or status.

His journey also challenges our perception of “important” ministry. Philip left a successful revival in Samaria to meet one man on a desert road. Through that single encounter with a γάζα manager, the Gospel likely reached Ethiopia decades before formal mission work began there. This teaches us that divine appointments with individuals – regardless of how isolated or seemingly insignificant – may have kingdom impacts far beyond what we can see. Our willingness to share the Gospel with one person may open treasuries of grace to entire nations.

Related Words

• θησαυρός (thēsauros, pronounced thay-sow-ROSS) – A more general term for treasure or storehouse, lacking the specifically royal or governmental connotations of γάζα. While γάζα refers specifically to royal treasuries, θησαυρός can refer to any collection of valuable items or storehouse. See G2344
• ἀργύριον (argyrion, pronounced ar-GOO-ree-on) – Silver money or coins; a common form of currency that would have been managed in the royal γάζα. While γάζα refers to the treasury itself, ἀργύριον refers specifically to silver currency stored within it. See G694
• χρῆμα (chrēma, pronounced KHRAY-mah) – Money, wealth, or possessions; the contents that would typically be stored in a γάζα. γάζα is the institution or place, while χρῆμα represents the actual wealth contained therein. See G5536
• κορβᾶν (korban, pronounced kor-BAN) – An offering dedicated to God; the Jewish temple treasury as opposed to the secular royal γάζα. While γάζα represents secular royal treasuries, κορβᾶν represents sacred offerings and treasury dedicated to God. See G2878
• μαμωνᾶς (mamōnas, pronounced mam-oh-NAS) – Wealth personified; the spiritual concept of money as a potential idol, contrasted with the institutional concept of γάζα. γάζα is neutral as an institution, while μαμωνᾶς carries moral and spiritual implications. See G3126

Did you Know?

• Did you know? The modern name Gaza (the Palestinian territory) has no etymological connection to the Greek word γάζα, despite their similar appearance. Gaza’s name comes from the Hebrew עַזָּה (‘azzāh), meaning “strong,” while the Greek γάζα comes from Persian and refers to royal treasuries.
• Did you know? The Persian word from which γάζα derives (ganj) continues to exist in modern Persian and has influenced words for “treasure” in many languages across Asia. In India, the Hindi word “ganj” still refers to a marketplace or treasure, showing how this ancient term spread across cultures and survived for millennia through language evolution.
• Did you know? Archaeological discoveries have uncovered actual Persian royal treasuries (γάζα) at sites like Persepolis. These massive stone complexes had thick walls, few entries, and sophisticated security measures including designated guards called “ganzabara” (treasury-bearers). The Ethiopian eunuch would have managed a similar elaborate system of secured vaults, accountants, guards, and record-keepers in his role as the one “in charge of all the γάζα” of the Kandake.

Remember This

The royal treasury (γάζα) that the Ethiopian eunuch managed pales in comparison to the eternal treasure he discovered in the Messiah – revealing that true wealth isn’t found in what we manage for earthly kingdoms, but in whom we serve in the Kingdom of Heaven.