In biblical times, pouches were practical items used for carrying small personal belongings, money, or provisions. They are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing readiness, provision, or the carrying of essential items.

Old Testament References

Pouches are not explicitly mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, but the concept of carrying bags or small containers is implied in several passages. For instance, in Genesis 42:25, Joseph commanded his servants to fill his brothers' bags with grain and return their money, placing it back in their sacks. This indicates the use of containers or pouches for carrying goods and currency.

In 1 Samuel 17:40, David took his shepherd's staff, chose five smooth stones from the brook, and placed them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag. This passage highlights the use of a pouch as a practical tool for carrying items necessary for his confrontation with Goliath.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, pouches are more explicitly mentioned, particularly in the context of Jesus sending out His disciples. In Luke 10:4, Jesus instructs the seventy-two disciples, "Do not carry a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road." Here, the pouch or bag is associated with the provision and reliance on God rather than material preparation.

Similarly, in Luke 22:35-36, Jesus reminds His disciples of their previous mission without a purse, bag, or sandals, emphasizing their lack of need. However, He then instructs them, "But now, if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." This shift indicates a change in circumstances, where practical preparation becomes necessary.

Symbolic Significance

Pouches in the Bible often symbolize readiness and provision. They are practical items that reflect the need for preparation and the carrying of essentials. In a spiritual sense, the absence or presence of a pouch can signify reliance on God versus self-sufficiency. The instructions given by Jesus to His disciples highlight a balance between trusting in divine provision and being practically prepared for the journey ahead.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, pouches were typically made from leather or cloth and were used by travelers, shepherds, and merchants. They were essential for carrying money, food, and other small items. The use of pouches reflects the nomadic and agrarian lifestyle of many biblical characters, who often traveled long distances and needed to carry provisions with them.

Overall, pouches in the Bible serve as a reminder of the practical aspects of daily life in biblical times, as well as the deeper spiritual lessons of trust and preparedness.

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... sad. They laid aside their staffs, cloaks, girdles, and pouches, letting
their long white undergarments fall to their feet. They ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... The more important ones had short swords or long knives in their girdles,
with many pouches and boxes hanging from their waists. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... small ability. The pouches, two feet long and more, swayed in the breeze,
fastened to the end of the boughs with a few threads. Each ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Pouches (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pouches (1 Occurrence). Genesis 42:35 It happened
as they emptied their sacks, that behold, every man's ...
/p/pouches.htm - 6k

Pouch (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A sac or bag for carrying food or young; as, the cheek pouches of certain
rodents, and the pouch of marsupials. 5. (n.) A cyst or sac containing fluid. ...
/p/pouch.htm - 7k

Camel (13 Occurrences)
... The first two compartments contain in their walls small pouches, each of which
can be closed by a sphincter muscle. The fluid retained ...
/c/camel.htm - 21k

Gazelle (12 Occurrences)
... The beauty of the eyes is proverbial. The skin is used for floor coverings, pouches
or shoes, and the flesh is eaten, though not highly esteemed. ...
/g/gazelle.htm - 13k

Wax (32 Occurrences)
... It is first excreted, from a row of pouches along their sides, in the form of scales,
which, being masticated and mixed with saliva, become whitened and ...
/w/wax.htm - 18k

Tanner (3 Occurrences)
... skins. The skins for pouches are either tawed, ie tanned with a mineral
salt like alum, or treated like parchment (see PARCHMENT). ...
/t/tanner.htm - 11k

Poultice (2 Occurrences)

/p/poultice.htm - 7k

Ape
... of the family Simiadae, having teeth of the same number and form as in man, and
possessing neither a tail nor cheek pouches. The name is applied esp. ...
/a/ape.htm - 8k

Archaeology
... There were roads, mail carriers whose pouches were filled with cuneiform bricks,
and commercial travelers who made a speciality of fine clothing. ...
/a/archaeology.htm - 61k

Minor (2 Occurrences)
... There were roads, mail carriers whose pouches were filled with cuneiform bricks,
and commercial travelers who made a speciality of fine clothing. ...
/m/minor.htm - 62k

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