Overview
The Bible addresses treasure across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Matthew and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Money, Commerce, Self-Denial and Servants. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Simeon and Jesus.
Key Bible verses about treasure
Old Testament
Genesis
Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.
And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.
And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us? failed: Heb. went forth
And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. seek: Heb. roll himself upon us
And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them. I had: Heb. your money came to me
New Testament
Matthew
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
People in the Bible and treasure
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying treasure for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 42:25, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, Matthew and 1 Chronicles each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Joseph, Simeon and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Money, Commerce, Self-Denial and Servants.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about treasure?
The Bible addresses treasure across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Matthew and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Money, Commerce, Self-Denial and Servants. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Simeon and Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about treasure?
The Bible references treasure in 14 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention treasure?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 42:25: “Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with treasure?
Joseph, Simeon and Jesus.
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