[Greek] θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō), [Latin] thesauros, [Latin] thesaurizare, [Latin] reponere: to store up, to lay up, to store up treasure, to keep in store, to amass, to gather up, to heap, to reserve; Mt.6:19-20, Lk.12:21,Jas.5:3,1Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor.12:14, 2 Pet. 3:7, Lk. 6:45, Rom.2:5
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to keep, to hoard, to lay up, to treasure, to store, and to hoard. Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 8.2.24 states ” He had observed that most people lay up for themselves what will serve to supply the wants of the people.” Herodotus’ The Histories 2.121 states “The memorial of his name left by him was the western court of the temple of Hephaestus.” Plato’s Phaedrus 276d states “The gardens of letters will treasure up reminders for himself when he comes to forgetfulness of old age.” Isocrates’ Antidosis 15.229 states “When have those traducers ever seen reserving and treasuring up their depravity for future use.”
Old Testament: The Hebrews valued the importance of using one’s resources and possessions for good works. Using alms for good deeds was a way to store good treasures for oneself against the day of adversity (Tobit 4:8-10). So, it is not surprising that Jesus and Paul also held these same values. These acts of love were described as a laying up of heavenly treasures in heaven. The laying up of earthly goods was seem as worldly, egoistic, and selfish. This was a contradiction against God.
New Testament: This term means to store up, to set aside, and to reserve. We are called to store up heavenly treasures which last longer. These heavenly treasures are rich in what matters to God. Paul states that one must money (collections) in service to others. Parents ought to save for their parents. Since life on earth passing, earthly goods and possessions will decay and corrode. Our sinfulness, stubbornness, and hardness will store up wrath when we face our judgment.
Scripture:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroy, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be.” Mt.6:19-21
Earthly treasures do not last. Heavenly treasures last longer. Heavenly treasure are acts of love, which come from the heart.
“Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself is not rich in what matters to God.” Lk. 12:21
Heavenly treasures are more valuable in God’s “eyes”.
“On the first day of the week each of you should set aside and save whatever one can afford.” 1Cor. 16:21
This was for the collection for the church at Jerusalem.
“By your stubborn and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God.” Rom.2:5
Our selfish acts can store up wrath of judgment upon ourselves before God.
Conclusion:
Thesaurus, reposition
From this comes the word thesaurus, a treasure trove of synonyms and sometimes antonyms. The Greek word thesauros means treasure. It is also interesting to note that storing up heavenly treasures was a Jewish value, even before Jesus introduced this concept to His disciples.