chest Summary and Overview

(Heb. "'aron", generally rendered "ark"), the coffer into which the contributions for the repair of the temple were put (2 Kings 12:9, 10; 2 Chr. 24:8, 10, 11). In Gen. 50:26 it is rendered "coffin." In Ezek. 27:24 a different Hebrew word, "genazim" (plur.), is used. It there means "treasure-chests."

By this word are translated in the Authorized Version two distinct Hebrew terms: 1. Aron; this is invariably used for the ark of the covenant, and, with two exceptions, for that only. The two exceptions alluded to are (a) the "coffin" in which the bones of Joseph were carried from Egypt, #Ge 50:26| and (b) the "chest" in which Jehoiada the priest collected the alms for the repairs of the temple. #2Ki 12:9,10; 2Ch 24:8-11| 2. Genazim, "chests." #Eze 27:24| only.

CHEST . There are two Hebrew words so translated. The first is applied, Egyptian Chest or Box. in 2 Kgs 12:9-10; 2 Chr 24:8, 2 Chr 24:10-11, to the coffer into which the people threw their voluntary contributions for the repair of the temple under Joash. But the original word in every other place except Gen 50:26, where it is applied to Jacob's coffin, means the ark of the covenant. A different word altogether is used for Noah's and Moses's "ark." The second word occurs only in Eze 27:24, and means a treasure-chest where valuables are stored.

1. 'Aron, always, except twice (Joseph's coffin and Jehoiada's alms chest, Genesis 50:26; 2 Kings 12:9-10), used for the ark of the covenant; the "ark" (teebah) of Noah, and that of bulrushes in which Moses was put, is quite distinct. 2. Genazim, "chests of rich apparel" (Ezekiel 27:24), from ganaz "to hoard."