Treasure, Treasury (Greek: thsaurós), noun.
Store (Greek: thsauriz), verb.

There are four nouns in the Greek New Testament that are translated as "treasure" in various English versions of the Bible.

The word kalós means something beautiful or good. But, this word does not refer to what we normally consider a treasure.

The word parathk is a deposit or trust. Since it is something of value, it is closer to the idea of treasure, but still is not exactly that.

In 2 Timothy 1:14, we read: "the good deposit guard through the Spirit Holy, the one indwelling in you" (literal translation). The word good is kalós, and the word deposit is parathk. Since both words are together, the NASB uses "treasure" for both, while the RSV uses "good treasure" for the pair. Aside from this verse, these two words are not really suited to describe an actual treasure.

The word gáza is only in Acts 8:27. It refers to a royal treasury. In this verse it is used for the treasure of the queen of Ethiopia.

The remaining 18 uses of treasure are all from thsaurós. It is both the place where valuables are stored (coffer, storehouse, treasury), and the contents stored or collected in the treasury. (The word reminds me of a book published in 1852 by Peter Mark Roget: a "treasury" of English words organized by concept or thought.)

In Matthew 2:11 is the record of the wise scholars from the East who visited the child Jesus in his parent's house. Matthew says that they brought coffers (thsaurós) of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus uses the noun ("a treasure") and the verb ("to store up") in describing both the physical things of earthly value as well as the spiritual things of heavenly value.

Matthew 6:19-34 clearly says to fill our treasuries with things of long-term value, not just short-term wealth.

Probably, most Christians would quickly understand (and agree with) the point Jesus emphatically makes. But the real challenge is to apply this principle while still fulfilling our responsibilities to our families and society.

In Genesis 41, God tells Joseph to store up grain for seven years in preparation for the coming famine. Because he did so, he provided for his family and many nations.

God gives the widow in 2 Kings 4 enough oil to pay her immediate debts (to keep her sons from slavery), and to still have enough money left to save away to provide her needs for the rest of her life. (So the first IRA was actually OIL.)

Paul tells the Corinthian church that to help the needy and poor, they should set aside (thsauriz) some money every single week. This way a large enough amount will be available when he next comes there (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

In 2 Corinthians 12:14, Paul instructs parents that they have an obligation to save up (thsauriz) for their kids. (This verse might be worth studying some more.)

The New Testament pointedly tells us that if we don't provide for those we are responsible for (especially our own family), then we have "denied the faith" and God considers us "worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).

Self-employed people must store money as much as 15 months before they actually have to pay income taxes. Homeowners must also save up for property taxes due in six months (plus the years they save up to buy the house). Many have saved up for weeks, months, and even years to go on a missions trip, or to attend Bible classes, etc.

Many believers around the world live in very humble circumstances, with little or almost no income. Others have been blessed by God and are able to fund and support many effective ministries, taking the gospel to the lost.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) helps us find balance: invest what God gives you, but in things that will accomplish the will of God, and bring glory to him.