(Aramaic) corresponding to גֶּנֶז; treasure; treasure.
Transliteration:gᵉnaz
Pronunciation:ghen-az'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word H1596 (גְּנַז, gᵉnaz) corresponds directly to the Hebrew H1595 (גֶּנֶז, genaz), both carrying the primary meaning of "treasure." This term denotes something valuable that is stored, hidden, or kept safe. Its semantic range extends beyond mere monetary wealth to encompass any precious or important items, including documents and records, implying a repository or archive. Thus, it can refer to the contents of a treasury as well as the treasury or storehouse itself. The fundamental idea is that of preserved value, whether material or informational.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term gᵉnaz appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, specifically in two significant contexts:
1. **[[Ezra 6:1]]**: "Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon." Here, gᵉnaz refers to a royal archive or treasury where important state documents, decrees, and historical records were kept. The context is crucial: Darius is searching for the decree of Cyrus concerning the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. The "treasure" in this instance is not gold or silver, but rather vital administrative and legal documents. This highlights the word's capacity to denote a repository of valuable information, essential for governance and the continuity of royal decrees.
2. **[[Ezra 7:20]]**: "Whatever else is needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, you may provide from the king’s treasury." In this verse, King Artaxerxes instructs Ezra to draw upon the royal "treasure" for the needs of the temple in Jerusalem. Here, gᵉnaz clearly refers to financial resources or valuable items (like gold, silver, vessels) designated for religious service. This usage emphasizes the word's more common association with material wealth, specifically that which is held within a royal treasury and made available for significant purposes, in this case, the worship of God.
These occurrences demonstrate gᵉnaz's dual application: as a place for valuable records and as a source of material wealth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1595}}` (גֶּנֶז, genaz), which also signifies "treasure" or "store." Beyond this, several other Hebrew terms convey similar concepts of wealth, storage, or preciousness:
* `{{H214}}` (אוֹצָר, 'otsar): A very common word meaning "treasury," "storehouse," or "treasure" itself. It often denotes a place where valuables are kept.
* `{{H2630}}` (חָמוּד, chamud): Signifies "precious," "desirable," or "costly things," often referring to valuable possessions.
* `{{H3701}}` (כֶּסֶף, kesef): While primarily meaning "silver," it frequently functions as a general term for "money" or "wealth."
* `{{H2428}}` (חֵיל, cheyl): Can refer to "wealth" or "riches," often in the context of a nation's resources.
Conceptually, gᵉnaz relates to themes of preservation, security, royal administration, and divine provision. It touches upon the meticulousness of ancient record-keeping and the careful management of national resources.
### Theological Significance
While gᵉnaz is a largely descriptive term for earthly treasure or archives, its theological significance is illuminated by its specific contexts within Ezra. In [[Ezra 6:1]], the search of the royal "treasure" (archives) for Cyrus's decree demonstrates God's sovereign hand at work through human institutions. The discovery of this vital document, preserved in the royal treasury, was instrumental in the continuation of the temple rebuilding. This highlights how God can use even the bureaucratic structures and stored records of earthly kingdoms to fulfill His divine purposes, demonstrating His meticulous providence over historical events.
In [[Ezra 7:20]], the provision of "treasure" from the king's house for the temple underscores the principle of resources being consecrated for sacred use. It reveals a pagan king's unwitting participation in God's plan, providing material support for the worship of the God of Israel. This shows that all earthly wealth, even that held by foreign rulers, ultimately belongs to God and can be directed by Him to serve His redemptive plan. The "treasure" in these passages becomes a vehicle for God's faithfulness to His covenant people, enabling the restoration of their worship and national identity.
### Summary
H1596 (גְּנַז, gᵉnaz) is an Aramaic term signifying "treasure" or "storehouse." Its biblical occurrences in Ezra reveal a dual meaning: a repository for valuable documents and a source of material wealth. In [[Ezra 6:1]], it refers to royal archives, highlighting God's providential use of preserved records to advance His plan for the temple's rebuilding. In [[Ezra 7:20]], it denotes the king's treasury, from which resources were provided for the temple's needs, illustrating how earthly wealth can be consecrated for divine purposes. The theological significance of gᵉnaz thus lies in its role as an instrument within God's sovereign plan, demonstrating His ability to utilize human institutions and resources, whether administrative or financial, to achieve His redemptive will for His people.
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