Tag Archives: meaning of gazophulakion

The Greek word “gazophulakion”

Found only in Mk. 12:41, 43; Lk. 21:1; Jn. 8:20, the Greek noun gazophulakion meant “treasury” or “contribution box.”

Herod’s temple had a public area (likely the northern part of the woman’s court) where people could place monetary offerings in a “contribution box.” Some rabbinical writings say there were 13 boxes which were shaped like trumpets (this design would have helped prevent theft).