Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "purse" referred to a small bag or pouch used for carrying money or other small personal items. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing wealth, provision, or the practical aspects of daily life.Old Testament References The Hebrew word often translated as "purse" is "kis" (כִּיס), which can also mean a bag or pouch. In the Old Testament, the purse is mentioned in the context of wisdom and prudence. Proverbs 1:14 speaks of those who entice others to join them in ill-gotten gain, saying, "Throw in your lot with us; let us all have one purse." This verse warns against the temptation of joining with those who seek dishonest wealth, highlighting the moral and ethical considerations associated with money. New Testament References In the New Testament, the Greek word "balantion" (βαλάντιον) is used to denote a purse. Jesus' teachings often included references to money and possessions, using the purse as a metaphor for spiritual truths. 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 urgency of their mission, rather than material preparation. Another significant mention is found in Luke 22:35-36 , where Jesus contrasts earlier instructions with a new directive: "When I sent you out without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They answered, "Nothing." Then He said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and whoever has no sword should sell his cloak and buy one." This passage reflects a shift in circumstances, preparing the disciples for the challenges ahead. Symbolism and Application The purse in biblical literature often symbolizes the heart's focus and priorities. In Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Here, the purse represents the accumulation of earthly versus heavenly treasures, urging believers to prioritize spiritual wealth. The purse also serves as a practical reminder of stewardship. Believers are called to manage their resources wisely, recognizing that all provision ultimately comes from God. The biblical perspective on the purse encourages a balance between prudent financial management and a generous, trusting heart. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern culture, a purse was typically a small leather or cloth pouch tied to a belt or carried by hand. It was an essential item for travelers and merchants, reflecting the economic practices of the time. The use of a purse underscores the everyday realities of life in biblical times, where trade, travel, and commerce were integral to society. Overall, the biblical references to the purse provide insight into the values and teachings regarding wealth, provision, and the believer's relationship with material possessions. Smith's Bible Dictionary Pursea bag for money. The Hebrews, when on a journey, were provided with a bag, in which they carried their money, (Genesis 42:35; Proverbs 1:14; 7:20; Isaiah 46:6) and, if they were merchants, also their weights. (25:13; Micah 6:11) This bag is described in the New Testament by the terms balantion (bag) (Luke 10:4; 12:33; 22:35,38) and glossokomon (originally the bag in which musicians carried the mouth-pieces of their Instruments). (John 12:6; 13:29) The girdle also served as a purse. (Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8) Ladies wore ornamental purses. (Isaiah 3:24) Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Gr. balantion, a bag (Luke 10:4; 22:35, 36). (2.) Gr. zone, properly a girdle (Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8), a money-belt. As to our Lord's sending forth his disciples without money in their purses, the remark has been made that in this "there was no departure from the simple manners of the country. At this day the farmer sets out on excursions quite as extensive without a para in his purse; and a modern Moslem prophet of Tarshisha thus sends forth his apostles over this identical region. No traveller in the East would hestitate to throw himself on the hospitality of any village." Thomson's Land and the Book. (see SCRIP.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A small bag or pouch, the opening of which is made to draw together closely, used to carry money in; by extension, any receptacle for money carried on the person; a wallet; a pocketbook; a portemonnaie.2. (n.) Hence, a treasury; finances; as, the public purse. 3. (n.) A sum of money offered as a prize, or collected as a present; as, to win the purse; to make up a purse. 4. (n.) A specific sum of money 5. (n.) In Turkey, the sum of 500 piasters. 6. (n.) In Persia, the sum of 50 tomans. 7. (v. t.) To put into a purse. 8. (v. t.) To draw up or contract into folds or wrinkles, like the mouth of a purse; to pucker; to knit. 9. (v. i.) To steal purses; to rob. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PURSEpurs. Greek 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 2223. zone -- a belt 1101. glossokomon -- a case, a box Strong's Hebrew 3599. kis -- bag, purse... 3598, 3599. kis. 3600 . bag, purse. Transliteration: kis Phonetic Spelling: (keece) Short Definition: bag. Word ... 2). bag, cup, purse. ... /hebrew/3599.htm - 6k 2754. charit -- bag, purse 6872a. tseror -- a bundle, parcel, pouch, bag Library That under Pretence of Keeping the Purse Women have to Besought to ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... The Life of Mr. John Semple. Matt. xxvi. 51-54. Christ Predicts the Danger of the Disciples in their New Relations ... At the Front or the Base Early Lessons in the Life of Faith Ancient Civilisation {5} {6} Ancient Civilisation. Whether Religious Perfection is Diminished by Possessing Something ... Thesaurus Purse (7 Occurrences)... At this day the farmer sets out on excursions quite as extensive without a para in his purse; and a modern Moslem prophet of Tarshisha thus sends forth his ... /p/purse.htm - 10k Bag (52 Occurrences) Wallet (7 Occurrences) Scrip (7 Occurrences) Belt (32 Occurrences) Sack (15 Occurrences) Shoes (32 Occurrences) Sandals (30 Occurrences) Purposing (21 Occurrences) Iscariot (11 Occurrences) Resources What is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a biblical view of social action? | GotQuestions.org Does God use frustrations in life to awaken and/or punish us (Haggai 1:6, 9)? | GotQuestions.org Purse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Purse (7 Occurrences)Mark 6:8 Luke 10:4 Luke 22:35 Luke 22:36 Proverbs 1:14 Isaiah 46:6 Haggai 1:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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