אָצַר (a.tsar)
a.tsar
to store
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.tsar means to store up or save things for future use. In the Old Testament, it appears in five verses, often describing the accumulation of resources like grain, silver, or goods. This action is not merely hoarding but involves intentional preparation and preservation, as seen when leaders organized supplies during times of need.
Its usage extends beyond physical objects to include roles within society. For instance, it can refer to appointing a treasurer or steward responsible for managing stored wealth. The word carries a sense of security and order, reflecting a community’s effort to safeguard its prosperity against uncertainty.
Translators typically render a.tsar as "store up" or "lay up," capturing the idea of deliberate accumulation. While some passages highlight wise planning, others caution against excessive hoarding without regard for justice. This balance underscores the biblical view that resources are meant to sustain life responsibly rather than serve selfish ends.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word a.tsar reminds us that planning for the future is a practical part of faith, not a lack of trust. In ancient Israel, storing grain or appointing stewards was how communities survived famine and maintained order. This act of preservation reflects wisdom and responsibility, ensuring that resources are available when they are needed most.
Yet Scripture also warns against hoarding for selfish gain. When Amos describes leaders who hoard plunder in their palaces, he highlights a heart turned inward rather than outward toward God and neighbor. True security comes not from the quantity of what we keep, but from how we use what we have been given to serve others.
Christians today can find balance by viewing our resources as tools for stewardship. Whether saving for a rainy day or supporting those in need, the goal is to live with generosity and foresight. This approach honors God by using His gifts to sustain life and promote justice in our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- those/ [who] store up1×
- they stored up1×
- they have stored up1×
- it will be stored up1×
- and/ I appointed as treasurers/ !1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָצְר֧וּ2×
- יֵֽאָצֵ֖ר1×
- וָ/אוֹצְרָ֣/ה1×
- הָ/אֽוֹצְרִ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 20:17
‘Behold, the days come that all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have laid up in store to this day, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says Yahweh.
This verse uses the word to describe accumulated wealth that will soon be lost, showing how stored resources can become a source of judgment when disconnected from God's purposes.
-
Nehemiah 13:13
I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute to their brothers.
Here the verb relates to appointing treasurers, illustrating how organized storage and management were essential for maintaining justice and fairness in distributing offerings.
-
Isaiah 23:18
Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to Yahweh. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
The text contrasts hoarding with holiness, indicating that stored goods should be used to support those who serve God rather than being kept for private security.