γαζοφυλάκιον (gazophulakion)
gazophulakion
treasury
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gazophulakion refers to a treasury or storehouse for valuable items. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the chambers within the Jerusalem temple complex where sacred offerings and public records were kept. The sources indicate these rooms also served as dwellings for priests and storage for the property of widows and orphans.
Its usage is limited to four verses, appearing in Mark 12:41-43, Luke 21:1, and John 8:20. These passages highlight the location where people deposited their gifts into the temple system. The word combines terms for "treasure" and "guard," reflecting its function as a secure repository for the community's financial contributions to religious life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gazophulakion points to a physical place of safety and order within the ancient temple. It was where the community’s resources were gathered, stored, and protected for sacred use. This image reminds us that our contributions are not lost or wasted but held with care in God’s household.
Jesus used this setting to teach a profound lesson about value. In Mark 12, He watched people depositing gifts into the gazophulakion. While many rich individuals gave large sums, a poor widow contributed two small coins. Jesus noted that her offering was greater because it came from her total reliance on God, not just her surplus.
This story invites us to examine our own hearts. It is not about the amount we give, but the posture behind it. When we offer what we have, even in small measures, we participate in a tradition of faithful stewardship that honors God and supports His work among us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- treasury3×
- treasury;1×
- treasury.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γαζοφυλάκιον·1×
- γαζοφυλάκιον.1×
- γαζοφυλάκιον1×
- γαζοφυλακίῳ1×
- γαζοφυλακίου1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 12:43
He called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
This verse highlights the contrast between large financial contributions and the superior spiritual value of the widow's sacrificial giving.
-
Mark 12:41
Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much.
The setting is established here, showing Jesus observing the public act of depositing money into the temple storehouse.
-
Luke 21:1
He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.
This parallel account emphasizes the visual scene of wealthy donors placing their gifts into the sacred treasury.