γάζα

treasure

Definition

Gáza is a Greek noun meaning 'treasure' or 'treasury.' In the New Testament, it specifically refers to a royal treasury or storehouse of wealth. Its single biblical occurrence in Acts 8:27 describes the Ethiopian eunuch as a court official in charge of the entire treasury (γάζας) of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This indicates a position of immense trust and responsibility over the financial resources of a kingdom. The word carries the sense of accumulated, valuable possessions under centralized control.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 8:27. It describes the official role of the Ethiopian eunuch, who was the treasurer for his queen. The usage is secular and administrative, denoting a high-ranking financial office in a royal court. It provides specific cultural detail about the status of the individual Philip evangelizes.

Etymology

The word γάζα (gaza) is a direct borrowing from the Old Persian word *ganza-, meaning 'treasure' or 'treasury.' It entered the Greek language through historical contact, particularly during the Persian Empire's influence. It is not derived from a native Greek root but was adopted as a loanword, retaining its core meaning of a repository of royal wealth.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, a 'gaza' was not merely a personal fortune but the state treasury of a kingdom or ruler. The official in charge, as in Acts 8:27, was a powerful and trusted minister. This context highlights the Ethiopian eunuch's significant social status, wealth, and influence, making his immediate acceptance of the gospel and desire for baptism (Acts 8:36-38) a powerful testimony to the gospel's reach across social and ethnic boundaries.

θησαυρός (thēsauros, G2344) — A more common Greek word for 'treasure' or 'storehouse,' used in both literal (Matthew 2:11) and metaphorical/ spiritual senses (Matthew 6:19-21).

Word Details

Scripture References