### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θησαυρίζω (thēsaurízō, `{{G2343}}`) is derived directly from the noun θησαυρός (thēsaurós, `{{G2344}}`), which denotes a storehouse, treasury, or the treasure itself. Consequently, θησαυρίζω fundamentally means "to amass, store up, or reserve." Its core semantic range encompasses the act of gathering and laying aside something for future use or security. This can be understood literally, referring to the accumulation of physical goods or wealth, or figuratively, pertaining to the accumulation of spiritual, moral, or even negative consequences. The verb conveys the deliberate action of putting something into a store, implying foresight and an expectation of future retrieval or consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of θησαυρίζω in the New Testament reveal a rich array of contextual nuances, often carrying significant ethical and theological weight.
One of the most prominent uses is found in the Sermon on the Mount: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" [[Matthew 6:19-20]]. Here, the verb is used twice, contrasting the futility of earthly accumulation with the enduring value of heavenly "treasures." The context is eschatological and ethical, urging disciples to align their priorities with eternal realities.
A similar warning is echoed in the parable of the rich fool: "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" [[Luke 12:21]]. This highlights the danger of self-centered accumulation that neglects one's spiritual standing before God.
The verb can also denote the accumulation of negative consequences. In [[Romans 2:5]], Paul declares, "But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed." Here, θησαυρίζω describes the process by which persistent sin accumulates divine judgment, a stark warning against unrepentance. Similarly, [[James 5:3]] condemns the wealthy who have "laid up treasure in the last days," indicating that their ill-gotten gains will serve as evidence against them in judgment.
In a more practical and positive sense, θησαυρίζω is used in [[1 Corinthians 16:2]] regarding the collection for the saints: "On the first day of every week, each of you is to lay something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collections when I come." This demonstrates a literal, communal application of storing resources for a benevolent purpose.
Finally, in [[2 Peter 3:7]], the verb describes a divine act of reservation: "But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly." Here, God Himself is the one who "stores up" the cosmos for its appointed end, underscoring His sovereignty and ultimate control.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun θησαυρός (thēsaurós, `{{G2344}}`), which is the direct root of θησαυρίζω. Understanding the noun's meaning of "treasure" or "storehouse" is crucial for grasping the verb's full implications.
Other related concepts and words include:
* ἀποθησαυρίζω (apothēsaurízō, `{{G606}}`): A compound verb, meaning "to lay up in store" or "to treasure up," often emphasizing the act of putting away for safekeeping.
* ἀποκεῖμαι (apokeimai, `{{G607}}`): "to be laid up, reserved," often used for things stored or destined for a particular purpose, such as a reward or judgment.
* συλλέγω (syllegō, `{{G4863}}`): "to gather together, collect," which shares the idea of accumulation, though θησαυρίζω implies a more deliberate and purposeful storage.
Thematically, θησαυρίζω is deeply connected to concepts such as stewardship, eternal perspective, material possessions, spiritual wealth, divine judgment, and the nature of true security.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θησαυρίζω is profound, primarily revolving around the believer's orientation toward the present world and the age to come.
Firstly, it serves as a foundational ethical imperative, challenging the human tendency to find ultimate security and value in earthly possessions. Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 6:19-20]] directly contrasts the perishable nature of material wealth with the imperishable nature of "treasures in heaven." This calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, urging believers to invest their lives, resources, and affections in that which has eternal significance. This "laying up" in heaven is not a passive act but implies active obedience, righteous living, and service to God and others.
Secondly, the use of θησαυρίζω in contexts of divine judgment ([[Romans 2:5]], [[James 5:3]]) underscores God's justice and the inevitable consequences of unrepentance and misused wealth. It highlights that human actions, whether good or bad, accumulate a spiritual "store" that will be revealed and judged in due time. This emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the principle of sowing and reaping.
Thirdly, the verb implicitly speaks to the nature of true wealth. While the world defines wealth by what one possesses, the biblical use of θησαυρίζω redirects focus to what one "stores up" in relation to God. To be "rich toward God" ([[Luke 12:21]]) is to accumulate spiritual capital, which includes faith, good works, and a life lived in accordance with divine will.
Finally, the concept of θησαυρίζω reinforces an eschatological worldview. The act of "laying up" inherently points to a future reality, whether it be the promised heavenly reward for the faithful or the certain judgment for the ungodly. It compels believers to live with an awareness of eternity, making choices today that will yield lasting benefits in the age to come.
### Summary
θησαυρίζω (thēsaurízō, `{{G2343}}`) signifies the deliberate act of amassing or reserving, whether literally for physical goods or figuratively for spiritual realities. Its biblical usage carries significant theological weight, primarily serving as a call to prioritize eternal, heavenly "treasures" over transient, earthly ones, as seen in Jesus' teachings in [[Matthew 6:19-20]] and [[Luke 12:21]]. Beyond personal stewardship, the verb also powerfully conveys the accumulation of divine wrath for those who remain unrepentant ([[Romans 2:5]]), demonstrating God's righteous judgment. In essence, θησαυρίζω challenges believers to examine their ultimate allegiances and to live with an acute awareness that all actions contribute to an enduring spiritual account, whether for reward or for judgment.
TRV