θησαυρίζω

I store up, treasure up, save

Definition

θησαυρίζω means to store up, accumulate, or treasure up something, often with a sense of deliberate gathering and reserving for future use. In the Gospels, it is used literally for storing earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-20) and metaphorically for a person who is 'rich toward God' by storing up heavenly treasure (Luke 12:21). In the Epistles, it takes on a more figurative and often negative sense: storing up wrath for oneself (Romans 2:5), storing up wealth unjustly (James 5:3), or storing up fire for the day of judgment (2 Peter 3:7). A positive, practical use is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2, instructing believers to 'store up' money for a collection.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears eight times in the New Testament, spanning Gospels and Epistles. Its usage shows a clear pattern: in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Luke), it contrasts earthly and heavenly treasure. In the Epistles (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, James, 2 Peter), it is used more abstractly for accumulating non-material realities—whether wrath, resources for others, or judgment. The only instruction for positive, literal saving is for charitable giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14).

Etymology

Derived from the noun θησαυρός (thēsauros, G2344), meaning 'treasure, storehouse.' The verb θησαυρίζω literally means 'to put into a θησαυρός.' This root connection emphasizes the action of gathering and depositing valuables into a secure repository, a concept that easily extends from physical wealth to spiritual or eschatological realities.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for its role in Jesus's teaching on wealth and the heart (Matthew 6:19-21), framing discipleship as a choice between two treasuries—earthly and heavenly. It also contributes to the biblical theme of divine justice, portraying God's wrath not as impulsive but as something sinners methodically 'store up' for themselves (Romans 2:5). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intentional, cumulative nature of both human and divine actions regarding treasure and judgment.

In the first-century agrarian economy, 'storing up' grain, oil, or money in a secure place was essential for survival and a common metaphor for security and provision. Jesus's audience would immediately grasp the contrast between earthly stores (vulnerable to moths, rust, and thieves) and heavenly ones (secure). This makes the spiritual warning against misdirected accumulation particularly vivid.

ἀποθησαυρίζω (apothēsaurizō, G597) — a strengthened form meaning 'to lay up in store,' used in 1 Timothy 6:19. συνάγω (synagō, G4863) — a more general term for 'gather' or 'collect,' without the specific connotation of treasuring or reserving.

Word Details

Scripture References