In biblical times, the concept of a "purse" referred to a small bag or pouch used for carrying money and other small personal items. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing wealth, provision, and the management of resources.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word often translated as "purse" is "kis" (כִּיס), which can also mean a bag or a 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 highlights the communal sharing of resources, albeit in a negative context of sinful behavior.

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; do not greet anyone along the road." This directive emphasizes reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their mission.

Another significant mention is found in Luke 12:33 , where 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 purse symbolizes the eternal value of spiritual wealth over earthly riches.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The purse, as a symbol, often represents 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." This passage underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.

The purse also serves as a reminder of stewardship and the responsible management of resources. Believers are encouraged to use their material blessings to further God's kingdom and to care for those in need, reflecting the heart of God in their generosity and trust in His provision.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, purses were typically made of leather or cloth and were carried by both men and women. They were essential for daily life, as they held the coins needed for trade and commerce. The use of purses in biblical narratives provides insight into the economic practices and social customs of the time.

Overall, the biblical references to purses offer rich spiritual insights into the nature of wealth, the call to trust in divine provision, and the eternal perspective that believers are encouraged to adopt.2754. charit -- bag, purse
... Definition: bags. Word Origin from an unused word Definition bag, purse NASB
Word Usage bags (1), money purses (1). bag, crisping pin. Or ...
/hebrew/2754.htm - 6k

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... We are riding in a poor thirty dollar chaise, in partnership, two bishops of us,
but it must be confessed that it tallies well with the weight of our purses. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.33 Sell
that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

John x. 14, 15
... if thou sayest that the men there are neither men of condition, [1628] nor good,
nor gentle, but man-slayers, tomb-breakers, cut-purses, adulterers, intemperate ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lx john x 14.htm

Salvation from Sin.
... Others, making haste to be rich, are slow to find out that the poverty of their
souls, none the less that their purses are filling, will yet keep them unhappy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/salvation from sin.htm

Ancient Civilisation {5} {6}
... in them which can appreciate and enjoy the contemplation of that which is lofty
and heroic, and that which is useful indeed, though not to the purses merely or ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/ancient civilisation 5 6.htm

Ancient Civilisation.
... in them which can appreciate and enjoy the contemplation of that which is lofty
and heroic, and that which is useful indeed, though not to the purses merely or ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture v ancient civilisation.htm

The Foundlings
... There were many other claims on the purses of the Ladies of Charity; the time had
come when it looked as if there was nothing to be done but sorrowfully give ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 7 the foundlings.htm

section i.
... with the same wheel as these; men in the same Level with Mechanicks, though their
fortunes do somewhat guild their infirmities, and their purses compound for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i 2.htm

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
... the way. [Matt.10:10]. The purse is stored up treasure in God; in the gospel:
make your purses which shall not grow old. And in another ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book vii on the useful.htm

Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage their ...
... Footnotes: [566] Comp. herewith, ad Ux., lic iv. [567] Or "purses.". [568] Comp.
2 Tim. ii. 3, 4; Hebrews 2:10. [569] Or "age"--s??culo. Comp. ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter xii excuses commonly urged in.htm

Purses (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Purses (4 Occurrences). Matthew 10:9 Provide neither
gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/p/purses.htm - 7k

Purse (7 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/p/purse.htm - 10k

Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matthew 10:9. AV, "purses;" RV, marg.,
"girdles." Also Mark 6:8). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A griddle. ...
/g/girdle.htm - 24k

Needy (83 Occurrences)
... Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that
doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. (WEB). ...
/n/needy.htm - 30k

Grow (139 Occurrences)
... Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that
doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. (WEB DBY RSV). ...
/g/grow.htm - 34k

Wear (56 Occurrences)
... Provide yourselves with purses that will never wear out, a treasure inexhaustible
in Heaven, where no thief can come nor moth consume. (WEY NAS NIV). ...
/w/wear.htm - 25k

Inexhaustible (2 Occurrences)
... Provide yourselves with purses that will never wear out, a treasure inexhaustible
in Heaven, where no thief can come nor moth consume. (WEY). ...
/i/inexhaustible.htm - 7k

Thief (41 Occurrences)
... Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that
doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. ...
/t/thief.htm - 22k

Exhausted (26 Occurrences)
... Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that
doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. (See NIV). ...
/e/exhausted.htm - 13k

Yours (226 Occurrences)
... Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that
doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. ...
/y/yours.htm - 35k

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