### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâtsar**, represented by `{{H686}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to store up**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage encompasses the literal act of storing up physical goods, the negative connotation of hoarding ill-gotten gains, and the administrative role of being made a treasurer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{H686}}` is used to describe different forms of accumulation. In parallel passages, the prophets warn that the wealth which the fathers have **laid up in store** will be carried off to Babylon as a form of judgment ([[2 Kings 20:17]], [[Isaiah 39:6]]). The term can also carry a strong moral weight, as seen when the Lord condemns those who **store** up violence and robbery in their palaces [[Amos 3:10]]. In a contrasting, administrative sense, Nehemiah uses the word to describe how he **made treasurers** over the storehouses, appointing faithful men to manage and distribute provisions [[Nehemiah 13:13]]. Finally, in a prophecy concerning Tyre, its profits are consecrated and will not be **treasured** up, but will be used to provide for those who serve the Lord [[Isaiah 23:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of storing and treasure:
* `{{H214}}` **ʼôwtsâr**: This word, derived from **ʼâtsar**, means **a depository** or **store(-house), treasure(-house)**. It is the place where items are stored, such as the **treasuries** that the treasurers in Nehemiah were put in charge of [[Nehemiah 13:13]].
* `{{H2630}}` **châçan**: Meaning **to hoard** or **lay up**, this word is used in parallel with **ʼâtsar** to emphasize the act of accumulation. In [[Isaiah 23:18]], Tyre's merchandise is not to be **treasured** (ʼâtsar) nor **laid up** (châçan).
* `{{H759}}` **ʼarmôwn**: This word for a **citadel** or **palace** denotes the location where wealth—or injustice—is stored. In [[Amos 3:10]], violence and robbery are stored up in the **palaces** of the unrighteous.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H686}}` carries significant thematic weight, often contrasting worldly hoarding with righteous stewardship.
* **The Futility of Hoarded Wealth:** The treasures that generations have **laid up in store** are shown to be temporary and subject to divine judgment, ultimately being carried away by enemies ([[2 Kings 20:17]], [[Isaiah 39:6]]).
* **Storing Injustice:** The concept of storing is applied metaphorically to sin. The unrighteous do not merely commit evil acts, but **store** up violence and robbery as a kind of corrupt treasure within their strongholds [[Amos 3:10]].
* **Faithful Stewardship:** In contrast, the word is used positively to describe the appointment of **treasurers** who were deemed "faithful" and whose role was to distribute from the storehouses to their brethren, highlighting a godly model of resource management [[Nehemiah 13:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H686}}` **ʼâtsar** provides a focused look at the biblical concept of storing. It moves beyond the simple act of accumulation to explore its moral dimensions. The word is used to describe both the function of a **treasurer** and the act of laying things up in store. It serves as a powerful vehicle to contrast the foolishness of hoarding worldly possessions, which are subject to loss, with the wisdom of managing resources faithfully for the good of God's people and His purposes.
TRV