TREASURER

('atsar, gedhabhar, gizbar, cakhan; oikonomos): (1) 'Atsar, meaning primarily "to store up," and hence, one who lays up in store, i.e. a "treasurer": "I made treasurers over the treasuries" (Nehemiah 13:13). (2) Gedhabhar (Aramaic), used only in Daniel 3:2-3: "treasurers," named with judges and counselors as recognized officials. (3) Gizbar, used in Ezra 7:21 (Aramaic) and equivalent in Ezra 1:8 (Hebrew): "treasurers beyond the river" and "Mithredath the treasurer." (4) Cakhan, primarily meaning "one who ministers to," and hence, a keeper of treasure, treasurer: "Get thee unto this treasurer" (Isaiah 22:15). Perhaps the idea of steward is here intended. (5) Oikonomos, by the King James Version translated "chamberlain," more properly in the American Standard Revised Version translated "treasurer": "Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you" (Romans 16:23).

William Edward Raffety

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.