from an unused root meaning to store; treasure; by implication, a coffer; chest, treasury.
Transliteration:genez
Pronunciation:gheh'-nez
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun גֶּנֶז (genez, `{{H1595}}`) derives from an unused root signifying the act of "storing" or "laying up." Its primary meaning is "treasure," encompassing not merely wealth in general, but specifically valuable items that are *stored away* or *preserved*. By implication, it extends to the physical containers or locations where such treasures are kept, thus denoting a "coffer," "chest," or "treasury." The emphasis lies on the hidden or secured nature of the valuable contents, underscoring their worth and the intent to safeguard them.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גֶּנֶז (genez, `{{H1595}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Esther. In [[Esther 3:9]], Haman, in his plot to annihilate the Jewish people, offers to pay ten thousand talents of silver "into the king's treasuries" (גִּנְזֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ). This singular occurrence is highly significant. The "treasuries" here refer to the royal storehouses of the Persian king, a repository of immense wealth and a symbol of his power and resources. Haman's offer of such a colossal sum highlights the vastness of the imperial treasury and his desperate attempt to bribe the king into consenting to his genocidal plan. The context underscores the material resources available to ancient empires and the extent to which wealth could be leveraged for political ends, even for destructive purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
While unique in its specific form and singular occurrence, גֶּנֶז (genez, `{{H1595}}`) resonates with several related Hebrew words and concepts pertaining to wealth, storage, and royal administration. Words like אוֹצָר (ʾōṣār, `{{H207}}`), meaning "treasure" or "storehouse," share a similar semantic field, often referring to royal or temple treasuries (e.g., [[1 Kings 7:51]], [[Nehemiah 10:38]]). Other terms for wealth include עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, `{{H6148}}`, "riches") and חַיִל (ḥayil, `{{H2428}}`, "wealth, strength"). The concept of "storing up" is also seen in verbs like צָפַן (tsāphan, `{{H6845}}`, "to hide, store up"), which often carries the connotation of preserving something precious. The "treasury" as a concept is intrinsically linked to the power and stability of ancient monarchies, serving as a material foundation for their authority and ability to wage war or undertake grand projects.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrence, the theological significance of גֶּנֶז (genez, `{{H1595}}`) in [[Esther 3:9]] is profound. It serves as a stark reminder of the immense earthly wealth and power wielded by human rulers, particularly in the context of a vast empire like Persia. Haman's willingness to pour a staggering sum into the king's treasury underscores the human valuation of material resources and the belief that such wealth can purchase power and achieve desired outcomes, even those that are morally reprehensible. However, the broader narrative of Esther powerfully demonstrates that even the greatest earthly treasuries and human machinations cannot thwart the sovereign plan of God. God's "treasury" of wisdom, power, and providential care for His people far surpasses any earthly store of silver or gold. The word, therefore, implicitly highlights the contrast between finite, human-controlled resources and the infinite, divine resources that ultimately govern the course of history and ensure the preservation of His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun גֶּנֶז (genez, `{{H1595}}`) signifies "treasure," "coffer," or "treasury," emphasizing valuable items that are stored and preserved. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Esther 3:9]] vividly portrays the vastness of the Persian king's royal treasury, into which Haman offers an immense sum to secure the destruction of the Jews. This single use powerfully illustrates the concept of earthly wealth as a source of power and influence in ancient kingdoms. Theologically, גֶּנֶז stands as a symbol of finite human resources, contrasting with the infinite and sovereign power of God, whose divine plan ultimately triumphs over even the most formidable earthly financial and political schemes.
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