Lexical Summary glóssokomon: Money box, money bag, or purse Original Word: γλωσσόκομον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance money-box, purse, bagFrom glossa and the base of kosmos; properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e. (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse -- bag. see GREEK glossa see GREEK kosmos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom glóssa and the same as komizó Definition a case, a box NASB Translation money box (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1101: γλωσσόκομονγλωσσόκομον, γλωσσοκομου, τό (for the earlier γλωσσοκομειον or γλωσσοκομιον (Winer's Grammar, 24 (23), 94 (90); yet see Boeckh, Corpus inscriptions 2448, 8:25, 31), from γλῶσσα and κομέω to tend); a. a case in which to keep the mouth-pieces of wind instruments. b. a small box for other uses also; especially a casket, purse to keep money in: John 12:6; John 13:29; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 98f. (For אָרון a chest, 2 Chronicles 24:8, 10f; Josephus, Antiquities 6, 1, 2; Plutarch, Longin, others.) Strong’s Greek 1101 designates the portable “money-box” carried by the apostolic band. According to John 12:6 and John 13:29, Judas Iscariot was entrusted with this chest during the public ministry of Jesus. The term evokes a small lockable container—large enough to receive charitable gifts yet light enough to accompany itinerant preachers on foot. In both occurrences the Evangelist assumes the reader understands its function: it financed daily provisions and alms for the needy (John 13:29). Roots in Israel’s Giving Traditions Scripture records earlier receptacles for sacred funds: • The chest Jehoiada set beside the altar to collect free-will offerings for Temple repair (2 Kings 12:9; 2 Chronicles 24:8). By the first century, synagogues likewise maintained collection chests for charity. The apostolic “money-box” mirrors this heritage, demonstrating that Jesus’ company accepted donations and regularly dispensed relief. Witness to Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry The existence of the 1101 box shows: 1. Sustained generosity toward Jesus from supporters (Luke 8:3). Hence benevolence was so habitual that such an instruction seemed plausible even on the eve of the crucifixion. Stewardship and Betrayal John reveals a tragic irony: “he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to steal what was put into it” (John 12:6). Judas’ misuse contrasts sharply with the trust placed in him and stands as a cautionary tale: • Financial stewardship in ministry demands integrity (1 Corinthians 4:2). Foreshadowing of Apostolic Order After the Ascension the early church rapidly instituted accountable systems for funds and alms (Acts 4:34-35; Acts 6:1-6). The earlier presence of the 1101 box likely shaped this mindset; the Twelve had already seen both the necessity and the peril of handling common funds. Practical Applications for the Church 1. Establish transparent mechanisms for receiving and distributing gifts. Literary Note Extra-biblical Greek first applied the word to a case for flute mouthpieces; by New Testament times it had broadened to a small valuables chest. John’s audience, familiar with both senses, would immediately grasp the idea of a discreet yet significant repository. Summary Strong’s 1101 is more than a lexical curiosity. It discloses the organized charity of Jesus’ circle, spotlights Judas’ moral collapse, and furnishes enduring lessons on stewardship, accountability, and mercy in Christian ministry. Englishman's Concordance John 12:6 N-ANSGRK: καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον ἔχων τὰ NAS: and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer KJV: and had the bag, and bare INT: and the moneybag had what John 13:29 N-ANS |
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