### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gazophylákion**, represented by `{{G1049}}`, refers to a **treasure-house** or **treasury**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term denotes a court in the temple specifically for the collection-boxes where offerings were placed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **treasury** `{{G1049}}` is a specific location within the temple `{{G2411}}` precincts. It is the setting for a notable teaching by Jesus `{{G2424}}`, who sat `{{G2523}}` and beheld `{{G2334}}` how the people `{{G3793}}` cast `{{G906}}` money `{{G5475}}` and gifts `{{G1435}}` into it ([[Mark 12:41]], [[Luke 21:1]]). Jesus uses the actions of the rich `{{G4145}}` and a poor `{{G4434}}` widow `{{G5503}}` at the **treasury** to teach his disciples `{{G3101}}` a lesson on sacrificial giving [[Mark 12:43]]. The location is also mentioned as a place where Jesus taught `{{G1321}}`, and it is noted that no man laid hands on him there because his hour had not yet come [[John 8:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding the **treasury**:
* `{{G906}}` **bállō** (cast): This verb, meaning to **throw**, describes the action of people depositing their offerings. It is used repeatedly in the accounts of giving at the treasury, highlighting the physical act of contribution [[Mark 12:41]].
* `{{G2411}}` **hierón** (temple): This word denotes the sacred place or entire precincts of the **temple**. It establishes the setting for the treasury, confirming it as a designated area within the place of worship [[John 8:20]].
* `{{G4434}}` **ptōchós** (poor): This term describes a **pauper** or beggar. It is used to identify the widow whose small offering at the treasury is praised by Jesus as being greater than all the others, emphasizing the heart behind the gift [[Mark 12:43]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1049}}` is tied directly to the teachings of Jesus that took place there.
* **A Stage for True Worship:** The **treasury** becomes the backdrop for Jesus's teaching on the nature of giving. By sitting and watching people cast `{{G906}}` in their gifts `{{G1435}}`, he redirects focus from the amount of the offering to the heart and sacrifice of the giver [[Mark 12:41]].
* **The Value of Sacrificial Giving:** The central lesson from the **treasury** is the contrast between the rich `{{G4145}}` who gave much `{{G4183}}` and the **poor** `{{G4434}}` widow `{{G5503}}`. Jesus states she has cast `{{G906}}` in more `{{G4119}}` than all the others, establishing a divine principle that the value of an offering is measured by what is held back, not just what is given [[Mark 12:43]].
* **A Place of Divine Proclamation:** Beyond being a collection point, the **treasury** served as a public forum within the **temple** `{{G2411}}` where Jesus could teach `{{G1321}}`. His presence and words `{{G4487}}` in this space signify its importance, and the note that his "hour was not yet come" [[John 8:20]] connects the location to the unfolding of God's sovereign timing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1049}}` **gazophylákion** is more than a simple collection point. It is a key location in the Gospels where Jesus observes human worship and delivers a profound teaching on sacrificial giving. The events at the **treasury** reveal that the true measure of an offering is not its monetary value but the heart of the giver, a principle illustrated by the contrast between the wealthy and the **poor** widow. It shows how a physical space within the **temple** can serve as the setting for revealing timeless spiritual truths.
TRV