The Greek word thēsaurízō, represented by G2343, means to amass or reserve. Derived from the word for treasure, G2344, it is used to describe the act of laying up, storing, or heaping treasure together, both in a literal and figurative sense. It appears 9 times in 8 unique verses, making each occurrence significant in understanding its application.
In its biblical usage, G2343 most famously appears in a direct comparison. Believers are commanded not to lay up treasures on earth, which are subject to corruption and theft, but to lay up treasures in heaven Matthew 6:19-20. The concept is also applied figuratively to matters of judgment; a person with a hard and impenitent heart "treasurest up" wrath for themselves Romans 2:5. The verb can describe practical stewardship, as when the Corinthian believers were instructed to lay money by "in store" 1 Corinthians 16:2, or familial duty, where parents ought to "lay up" for their children 2 Corinthians 12:14. It serves as a warning, describing those who "heaped treasure together" for the last days James 5:3 and the man who "layeth up treasure" for himself but is not rich toward God Luke 12:21.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of amassing treasure:
- G2344 thēsaurós (treasure): As the root noun from which G2343 is derived, this word signifies the "deposit" or "wealth" that is being stored. It is the object of the action in Matthew 6:19, identifying the very "treasures" being laid up.
- G853 aphanízō (to corrupt): This verb describes the fate of earthly treasures, meaning to "render unapparent" or "disappear." It highlights the futility of storing wealth on earth where it will eventually be corrupted Matthew 6:19.
- G2813 kléptō (to steal): This word, meaning to "filch," is used alongside corruption to describe the insecurity of earthly treasure. The treasures laid up in heaven are safe because thieves do not "steal" there Matthew 6:20.
- G4147 ploutéō (to be rich): This term is contrasted with G2343 to distinguish between worldly accumulation and spiritual wealth. A person can "layeth up treasure for himself" without truly being "rich toward God" Luke 12:21.
The theological weight of G2343 is centered on the nature of value and eternal security.
- The Two Treasuries: The word forces a distinction between two destinations for one's life efforts. To lay up treasure on earth is to invest in something temporary and ultimately insecure Matthew 6:19. To lay up treasure in heaven is an act of faith in God's eternal and incorruptible kingdom Matthew 6:20.
- The Accumulation of Consequences: The action of "treasuring" can have dire spiritual consequences. It can refer to the amassing of wrath through persistent sin Romans 2:5 or foolishly heaping up wealth that will act as a witness against oneself in the last days James 5:3.
- Divine Reservation: The word is also used to describe God's sovereign plan. The heavens and the earth are kept in store by His word, reserved for a final day of judgment and perdition for the ungodly 2 Peter 3:7, showing that God also sets things aside for a future purpose.
In summary, G2343 is a powerful verb that signifies a deliberate choice to amass and reserve what is considered valuable. It moves beyond a simple financial act to encompass the storing of moral and spiritual assets or liabilities. Whether it is a parent providing for a child, a believer storing treasure in heaven, or a hardened heart accumulating wrath, the word highlights that our actions are constantly investing in a future. It serves as a crucial reminder to evaluate what we are storing and where we are storing it.
TRV