### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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