Bible Dictionary
TREASURER
A treasurer is an official responsible for keeping, managing, or distributing stores of money or valuable goods. Biblical treasurers served kings, governments, and the church community.
Definition
A treasurer is an official who stores, keeps, manages, or ministers over money and valuable goods. The title may designate a keeper of royal or governmental treasure, a steward, or an official responsible for treasuries.
Biblical Usage
Treasurers appear among recognized officials in the Persian and Babylonian administrations, in charge of the treasuries of the house of God, and in royal service. Erastus is called the treasurer of the city.
Historical Background
Several Hebrew and Aramaic terms are translated “treasurer,” including words meaning to store up, keep treasure, or minister to it. The Greek term can also mean steward and is translated “chamberlain” in the King James Version.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>('atsar, gedhabhar, gizbar, cakhan; oikonomos):</p><p>(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" (Ne 13:13).</p><p>(2) Gedhabhar (Aramaic), used only in Da 3:2,3: "treasurers," named with judges and counselors as recognized officials.</p><p>(3) Gizbar, used in Ezr 7:21 (Aramaic) and equivalent in Ezr 1:8 (Hebrew): "treasurers beyond the river" and "Mithredath the treasurer."</p><p>(4) Cakhan, primarily meaning "one who ministers to," and hence, a keeper of treasure, treasurer: "Get thee unto this treasurer" (Isa 22:15). Perhaps the idea of steward is here intended.</p><p>(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" (Ro 16:23).</p><p>William Edward Raffety</p>