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G1049 · Greek · New Testament
γαζοφυλάκιον
Gazophulakion
Noun, neuter
Treasury, offering box

Definition

Gazophulakion (γαζοφυλάκιον) refers to the treasury or offering repository in the Jerusalem temple — the room where temple funds were stored or the chests where worshippers deposited their offerings. It was located in the Court of Women, and Jesus sat near it during his teaching in John 8 and observed the widow's offering in Mark 12.

Theological Significance

The scene at the gazophulakion — the widow casting in two copper coins (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4) — is one of Scripture's most searching teachings on generosity. Jesus declares that she gave more than all the wealthy, because she gave "out of her poverty, everything she had, all she had to live on." True giving is measured not by amount but by sacrifice. This is the widow's mite, and it measures the heart.

Key Scripture Passages

Mark 12:41
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box.
Mark 12:43
And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box."
Luke 21:1
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.
John 8:20
These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
Nehemiah 13:9
Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

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