גְּנַז
treasure
Definition
The Hebrew word גְּנַז (gᵉnaz) refers specifically to a treasure, particularly one that is stored or deposited, often in a royal or temple context. It denotes valuable items, such as gold, silver, and precious vessels, that are kept in a secure place for safekeeping. In the biblical passages where it appears, it consistently describes treasures belonging to the king or held in the royal treasury, as seen in Ezra 5:17, 6:1, and 7:20. There is no significant variation in meaning across these uses; it uniformly signifies stored wealth under official control.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, occurring three times in contexts related to the Persian administration and the rebuilding of the temple. In Ezra 5:17, King Darius orders a search in the royal archives for the decree of Cyrus concerning the temple. In Ezra 6:1, the decree is found in the treasury at Ecbatana. In Ezra 7:20, Artaxerxes provides treasures from the royal treasury for the temple service. All instances highlight treasures under Persian imperial authority, emphasizing official records and resources.
Etymology
גְּנַז is an Aramaic noun that corresponds directly to the Hebrew word גֶּנֶז (genéz, H1595), which also means 'treasure.' Both words likely derive from a common Semitic root meaning 'to hide' or 'to store away,' reflecting the concept of valuables being secured or deposited. The Aramaic form appears in the biblical text due to the sections of Ezra written in Aramaic, the administrative language of the Persian Empire, showing linguistic adaptation in a cross-cultural setting.
Semantic Range
This word highlights God's sovereignty over human empires and resources, as seen in how Persian kings, despite being foreign rulers, are used by God to provision and authorize the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple. The treasures mentioned are not merely wealth but instruments in fulfilling God's covenant promises, showing that even secular archives and treasuries can serve divine purposes. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing that God's work is often supported through unexpected, worldly means, affirming His control over history and provision for His people.
In the ancient Near East, treasures were typically stored in royal or temple treasuries, serving as symbols of power, stability, and religious devotion. The Persian Empire, known for its extensive bureaucracy, maintained detailed records and treasuries across provinces, as reflected in Ezra. The word גְּנַז in this context underscores the centralized control of wealth and documents, differing from modern decentralized banking. It also illustrates the cultural practice of using treasures for state projects, including religious support, which was common in imperial administrations to maintain order and favor with local deities.
אוֹצָר (otsar, H214) — a more common Hebrew term for treasure or storehouse, often used for both royal and divine treasures. כֶּסֶף (keseph, H3701) — specifically 'silver,' but can refer to money or wealth in general. חַיִל (chayil, H2428) — can mean 'wealth' or 'substance' in addition to 'strength' or 'army.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →