### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apothḗkē**, represented by `{{G596}}`, is a noun for a repository or granary, translated as **barn** or **garner**. Derived from ἀποτίθημι, it signifies a place of storage. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G596}}` is consistently used in agricultural metaphors to convey spiritual truths. John the Baptist uses it to describe the final judgment, where the wheat will be gathered into the **garner** ([[Matthew 3:12]], [[Luke 3:17]]). Jesus employs the term in the parable of the wheat and tares, instructing the reapers to gather the wheat into his **barn** [[Matthew 13:30]]. It is also used to illustrate trust in God's provision, contrasting the lives of believers with birds who do not gather into **barns** yet are fed by the Father [[Matthew 6:26]]. Conversely, the parable of the rich fool depicts a man whose misplaced security rests in building bigger **barns** for his goods [[Luke 12:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to form the agricultural and theological context of **apothḗkē**:
* `{{G4863}}` **synágō** (to lead together, i.e. collect or convene): This verb describes the action of gathering the wheat into the **garner** [[Matthew 3:12]] or the fruits into the **barns** [[Luke 12:18]].
* `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** (grain, especially wheat): This is the valuable crop that is collected and protected within the **barn** or **garner**, distinguishing it from the worthless chaff or tares that are burned ([[Matthew 3:12]], [[Matthew 13:30]]).
* `{{G2326}}` **therismós** (reaping, i.e. the crop): This term for **harvest** provides the eschatological setting for the final separation when wheat is gathered into the **barn** [[Matthew 13:30]].
* `{{G5009}}` **tameîon** (secret chamber, closet, storehouse): Used alongside **barn** in [[Luke 12:24]], this word reinforces the concept of storage. The ravens have neither a **storehouse** `{{G5009}}` nor a **barn** `{{G596}}`, yet God provides for them.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G596}}` is seen in its symbolic use:
* **Place of Separation and Judgment:** The **barn** or **garner** serves as the final, safe destination for the valuable "wheat," separating it from the "tares" which are bound in bundles `{{G1197}}` to be burned up `{{G2618}}` [[Matthew 13:30]]. This illustrates a clear division at the final harvest.
* **Symbol of Divine Provision vs. Worldly Security:** The term contrasts trust in God with self-reliance. God provides for birds that have no **barns** [[Matthew 6:26]], while the rich fool's plan to build bigger **barns** highlights a misplaced faith in material wealth [[Luke 12:18]].
* **The Goal of the Harvest:** In the context of the harvest `{{G2326}}`, the **barn** represents a place of ultimate safety and preservation. The work of the reapers `{{G2327}}` is to gather the wheat into the barn, signifying the securing of the righteous at the end of the age [[Matthew 13:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G596}}` is far more than a simple agricultural building. It functions as a powerful biblical symbol representing the security of the righteous, the folly of worldly wealth, and the great separation that occurs at the final judgment. Whether translated as **barn** or **garner**, it consistently points to a final destination for that which is deemed valuable enough to be preserved.
TRV