ἀποθησαυρίζω (apothēsaurizō)
apothēsaurizō
to store up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apothēsaurizō means to store up or treasure away for future use. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 6:19, where Paul instructs believers to lay up a good foundation for themselves. The word combines a prefix indicating completion with a root meaning "treasure," suggesting a deliberate and thorough act of saving.
In its single biblical occurrence, it describes storing up treasure specifically for the future, contrasting with the fleeting nature of material wealth. This usage highlights the importance of preparing spiritually for what lies ahead, rather than focusing on temporary earthly gains. The term emphasizes long-term planning and security through faithful action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apothēsaurizō appears just once in the New Testament, found in Paul’s letter to Timothy. It carries the sense of storing up or treasuring something away for future use. In this context, it describes a deliberate act of saving, not for temporary gain, but for what lies ahead.
Paul encourages believers to lay up a good foundation against the time to come. This is not about hoarding material wealth, which fades, but about securing eternal life through faithful action. It invites us to think long-term, focusing on spiritual security rather than fleeting earthly gains.
This simple instruction reminds us that our choices today shape our future. By storing up what truly matters, we prepare for the life God has promised. It is a call to live with purpose, keeping our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- treasuring up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποθησαυρίζοντας1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:19
laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
This verse uniquely uses apothēsaurizō to command believers to store up a spiritual foundation for eternal life, contrasting with the pursuit of transient wealth.