In biblical times, the money-bag, also referred to as a purse or pouch, was a common item used to carry coins and other small valuables. It is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing wealth, provision, or the responsibilities associated with managing resources.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "money-bag" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept of carrying money in a pouch or bag is implied in several passages. For instance, in Genesis 42:35, when Joseph's brothers discover their money returned in their sacks, it indicates the use of containers for carrying currency. The use of money-bags would have been a practical necessity in a society where trade and transactions were conducted using silver and other forms of currency.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the money-bag is more explicitly mentioned and carries significant theological and moral implications. One of the most notable references is found in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. Judas Iscariot, who was responsible for the group's finances, is described as carrying the money-bag. In John 12:6 , it is noted, "He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." This passage highlights the potential for corruption and the moral dangers associated with the love of money.

In Luke 10:4 , Jesus instructs His disciples, "Carry no purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road." This directive emphasizes reliance on God's provision and the importance of faith over material security. The money-bag, in this context, represents earthly concerns that can distract from spiritual missions.

Symbolism and Teachings

The money-bag serves as a symbol of stewardship and the ethical use of resources. In Luke 12:33 , Jesus advises, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys." Here, the money-bag is metaphorically transformed into a vessel for heavenly treasures, urging believers to prioritize eternal values over temporal wealth.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the responsibility of managing resources wisely. Although the term "money-bag" is not used, the concept of stewardship is central, as servants are entrusted with their master's wealth and are expected to invest it prudently.

Practical Implications

For early Christians, the money-bag would have been a practical tool for daily life, yet it also served as a reminder of the spiritual principles governing the use of wealth. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently warn against the dangers of greed and encourage generosity, contentment, and trust in God's provision.

In summary, the money-bag in biblical literature is more than a mere accessory; it is a symbol of the broader themes of stewardship, trust, and the ethical use of material resources. Through its various mentions, the Scriptures provide guidance on how believers are to view and handle wealth in a manner that honors God and serves others.905. ballantion -- a purse
... a purse. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ballantion Phonetic Spelling:
(bal-an'-tee-on) Short Definition: a purse, money-bag Definition: a purse ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/905.htm - 6k

Jesus' Unrequited Friendships.
... But though suffering in the torments of a guilty conscience, he still tightly
clutches his money-bag as he hurries on into the night. ...
/.../personal friendships of jesus/chapter ix jesus unrequited friendships.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... Hearken to a true witness: "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because
he was a thief, and had the money bag, and bare [1019] what was put ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

God's Distribution must Regulate Our Desires, Otherwise we Become ...
... [133] The slender lobes of the ears exhaust a fortune; and the left hand,
with its every finger, sports with a several money-bag. ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter ix gods distribution must regulate.htm

Thankful Service.
... waste?" They are very nearly related to Judas Iscariot of old, who asked the same
question, and, like him, they love themselves, and the money bag, better than ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lix thankful service.htm

The October Panic.
... through the land, and then throughout the world until every country bank here, and
every capital city abroad, felt the sharp tightening of the money-bag strings ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the october panic.htm

To Confirm what Has Been Said Above About Rewards and Punishments. ...
... He was chosen among the Twelve Apostles, and had charge of the money bag, to lay
it out upon the poor, [107] that it might not seem as though he had betrayed ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi to confirm what.htm

John Chapter xiii. 26-31.
... For some of them thought, because Judas had the money-bag, that Jesus said unto
him, Buy those things which we have need of against the feast; or, that he ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxii john chapter xiii.htm

The Good Man's Life and Death
... see the merchant busy with his ledger, and overlooking his cargo, and he paused
and put his hand upon his brow, and said as he griped his money-bag, "For me to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the good mans life and.htm

Psalm CIX.
... Although Judas loved cursing, both in stealing from the money bag, and selling and
betraying the Lord: nevertheless, that people more openly loved cursing ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

John Chapter xii. 26-Dec
... But in that sort of way Christ was served also by the reprobate Judas; for it was
he also who had the money bag; and although he had the exceeding wickedness ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate li john chapter xii.htm

Money-bag (5 Occurrences)
Money-bag. Money, Money-bag. Money-bags . Multi-Version Concordance
Money-bag (5 Occurrences). Luke 22:36 And he said ...
/m/money-bag.htm - 7k

Opinion (91 Occurrences)
... John 13:29 Some were of the opinion that because Judas kept the money-bag Jesus
said to him, Get the things we have need of for the feast; or, that he was to ...
/o/opinion.htm - 34k

Money-bags (1 Occurrence)
Money-bags. Money-bag, Money-bags. Money-box . Multi-Version Concordance
Money-bags (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Money-bag, Money-bags. Money-box . Reference ...
/m/money-bags.htm - 6k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:36 And he said to them, But now, he who has a money-bag, or a bag for food,
let him take it: and he who has not, let him give his coat for money and ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

Money (284 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:36 And he said to them, But now, he who has a money-bag, or a bag for food,
let him take it: and he who has not, let him give his coat for money and ...
/m/money.htm - 69k

Kept (891 Occurrences)
... John 13:29 Some were of the opinion that because Judas kept the money-bag Jesus
said to him, Get the things we have need of for the feast; or, that he was to ...
/k/kept.htm - 33k

Chance (78 Occurrences)
... they take my clothing. (BBE). Proverbs 1:14 Take your chance with us, and
we will all have one money-bag: (BBE). Proverbs 16:33 A ...
/c/chance.htm - 37k

Common (118 Occurrences)
... are not plagued. (YLT NIV). Proverbs 1:14 Take your chance with us, and
we will all have one money-bag: (See NIV). Proverbs 21:9 It ...
/c/common.htm - 40k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... John 12:6 (He said this, not because he had any love for the poor; but because he
was a thief, and, having the money-bag, took for himself what was put into it ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

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