Abarim Publications' online Biblical Greek Dictionary
γαζα
The noun γαζα (gaza) means treasure (Acts 8:27 only). This word has nothing to do with the name Gaza (which in English is rather similar but in Hebrew spelled wholly different, as עזה), but stems from the Persian word ganza, meaning treasure. This Persian word also gave us the Hebrew verb גנז (ganaz), and the curious plural noun גנזים (genazim), chests or coffers, as used in Ezekiel 27:24 and Esther 3:9 and 4:7, as well as the word גנזך (ganzak), meaning treasury, as used in 1 Chronicles 28:11. From our Greek noun derives:
- Together with the verb φυλασσω (phulasso), meaning to guard or watch: the noun γαζοφυλακιον (gazophulakion), which literally describes a place for guarding a treasure; a treasury. Note that the verb φυλασσω (phulasso) emphasizes not so much the mere storing or even safe-keeping of a treasure but rather the scrutiny of it. This noun occurs 5 times in the New Testament; see full concordance.