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גְּנַז (ge.naz)

ge.naz

treasure

H1596 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
A:N-M

Word Overview

The Aramaic noun ganaz refers to a store of wealth or valuables, specifically functioning as a treasury or hoard. In the Book of Ezra, this term appears in three verses to describe the royal stores where gold and silver were kept for the temple’s restoration. It denotes physical assets set aside for a specific purpose rather than general riches.

This word is the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew ganaz (H1595), which also means treasury or treasure. The usage in Ezra highlights how these resources were managed and accessed by officials, emphasizing their role in supporting religious projects under imperial authority. The term itself points to a place of storage rather than the act of saving.

Translators typically render ganaz as "treasure" or "treasury," depending on whether the context emphasizes the contents or the location. In Ezra 5:14, for example, it refers to the vessels and gold stored in the house of God. The word carries a sense of permanence and security, reflecting the value placed on these resources by both the Persian administration and the Jewish community.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ganaz points to a royal treasury, a secure place where valuable resources were stored for specific purposes. In Ezra, this term highlights how God’s people accessed physical wealth to restore His temple under imperial authority. These stores were not just about riches but represented provision and order in fulfilling divine plans.

For your faith, this reminds us that God often uses tangible means—like money, materials, or community support—to accomplish spiritual goals. When we face challenges in serving Him, we can trust that He provides what is needed, whether through direct action or through the generosity of others. This word encourages patience and reliance on His timing.

Even today, Christians may find themselves part of God’s 'treasury,' contributing time, talent, or treasure to advance His kingdom. The story in Ezra shows how ordinary acts of stewardship become tools for extraordinary purposes when aligned with God’s will.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • treasures/ the2×
  • [the] treasures of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • גִּנְזַיָּ֜/א1×
  • גִּנְזֵ֥י1×
  • גִנְזַיָּ֛/א1×

Key Verses

  • Ezra 5:17
    Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”

    This verse mentions searching the king's treasure house to verify Cyrus's decree, showing how ganaz connects to verifying divine promises through historical records.

  • Ezra 6:1
    Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.

    Here, the archives where treasures were laid up are searched, emphasizing the importance of preserving documents and resources for future generations.

  • Ezra 7:20
    Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s treasure house.

    This verse instructs using the king’s treasure house to meet additional needs for God’s house, illustrating how ganaz supports ongoing ministry work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ganaz mean in the Bible?

Ganaz refers to a treasure house or store of valuables, often used in Ezra to describe royal archives or supplies set aside for rebuilding the temple. It emphasizes both physical wealth and its purposeful use for God’s work.

How is ganaz different from other words for 'treasure'?

Unlike general terms for riches, ganaz specifically denotes a secure location or collection of resources designated for particular purposes, such as temple restoration. It carries connotations of permanence and divine provision.

Where does ganaz appear in Scripture?

Ganaz appears three times in Ezra (5:17, 6:1, 7:20), always referring to royal stores or archives. These verses highlight how God’s people accessed resources under Persian rule to rebuild Jerusalem’s temple.

Why is ganaz important for understanding biblical stewardship?

Ganaz shows that God values organized, intentional use of resources for His purposes. It reminds believers that contributing to God’s work—whether through finances, time, or skills—is part of participating in His larger plan.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Ezra 3 verses
Ezra 5:17

Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…

Ezra 6:1

Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…

Ezra 7:20

Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s…