[Greek] θησαυρός (thēsauros), [Latin] thesaurizare, [Latin] abundantia: treasure, deposit, wealth, storehouse, treasure box, place of safe keeping; Mt.2:11, Mt.6:19-21, Mt.12:35 Mt.13:44,52, Mt.19:21, Mk.10:21, Lk.12:33-34, Lk.18:22, 2Cor.4:7, Col.2:3, Heb.11:26
The thesauros (storage facilities) at the Temple of Delphi in Athens.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means what is deposited, store, treasure, treasure chambers, talent (gift), chest, state warehouse, temple storehouse, bank vault, granary, receptacles, offertory box, and cavern. Aeschylus’ Persians 232 states, “Of silver they possess a veritable fountain, a treasure chest in their soil. Herodotus’s The Histories 1.14 states, “Gyges sent many offerings to Delphi; there are many silver offerings of his there, he dedicated a hoard of gold. These weigh thirty talents and stand in the treasury of the Corinthians; although in truth it is not the treasury of the Corinthian people but of Cypselus, son of Eetion.”
Temple priest: The temple priest receives support (offerings) from the community in return for his priestly services. The priest also collected the grain (corn). Interestingly, the grain (sitos) was stored in the granary (grain storehouse) of the temple grounds. Priests (along with civil and state officials) were allowed to partake of the meals in the community (at the public expense). These officials sat beside (para-) the meal (-sitos), leading to the original meaning of the later word ‘parasite’.
Old Testament: This term means treasure, treasure chest, storehouse, supplies, vessels, riches, supplies, and arsenal room. These treasures involve material treasures, spiritual treasures, wisdom, fear of God, and treasures of darkness. Caution is sometimes given regarding the false trust (and reliance) on material treasures. The Old Testament develops the concept of laying up spiritual treasures through almsgiving and good works. Heaven becomes a treasure house of the accumulation of righteous souls, while the ungodly are rejected. The commending of the spirit to God at death and the reserving of martyred souls occur in God’s presence.
All silver and gold, are sacred to the Lord. They shall be put in the treasury of the Lord (Jos.6:19). The fear of the Lord is her treasure (Isa.33:6). The Lord opens up His armory and brings forth the weapons of His wrath (Jer.27:25). If you have great wealth, give alms out of your abundance (Tob.4:8). For you have a treasure of works stored up with the Most High (2 Esd 7:77). I will give you treasures out of the darkness (Isa.45:3). Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise (Prov.21:20). Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing (Prov.10:2).
New Testament: This term means material treasure, spiritual treasure, and storeroom. Examples of material treasures include gold, frankincense, myrrh, and Egyptian treasures. Spiritual treasures, longer lasting and closer to the heart, include good deeds, almsgiving, giving to the poor, God’s glory in men, and the wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ. The eschatological dimension of salvation adds to the importance of accumulating longer lasting spiritual gifts. Jesus takes up the Jewish teaching that man, through good works, lays up treasures in heaven.
Scripture:
“They opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mt.2:11
These are material treasures given to the infant Jesus. These gifts relate to Jesus’ kingship, His priestliness, and His death.
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have spiritual treasure in heaven.’” Mt.19:21
Jesus advocated these good deeds are means of storing lasting spiritual treasures in heaven.
“And he replied, ‘Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.’” Mt.13:52
The scribe knows the new (Jesus’ teachings) and the old (the Law and the prophets).
Conclusion:
Thesaurus, parasite
I was surprised that this term can mean treasure and storehouse (in their various forms and meanings). It was interesting to find Herodotus’ quote regarding idol worship and material treasures (gold) in Corinth. Among their many other issues, idol worship was a serious problem in Corinth. Essentially, the Corinthians had many vices.
It would make sense that the temple grounds would need storage space for the collection of offerings and grain (used in the temple services). Not surprisingly, the grain was placed in the granary. It was also interesting to discover that the priests (beside the grain) were called ‘parasitos’. They eat at the expense of the public in return for their sacrificial duties.
The Old Testament culture introduces the important concept of laying up spiritual treasures in heaven. It is also significant to note that caution was given about placing too much trust and reliance on material treasures. Jesus will continue this teaching on focusing on accumulating spiritual treasures in heaven.
In addition to good works, spiritual treasures are found in God’s glory in earthen vessels (man) and in wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ. Paul, understanding that the Corinthians had issues with offerings to the temple, instructed the Corinthians to set aside collections (private money boxes) to help fellow Christians. Paul was trying to teach the Corinthians about spiritual treasures.
I have to say that researching this term provided a “wealth” of important information for this post!