In biblical times, the concept of a "wallet" as understood in the modern sense did not exist. However, the Bible does reference items that served similar purposes, such as money bags or pouches, which were used to carry coins and other small personal items. These items are mentioned in various contexts throughout Scripture, providing insight into their use and significance in ancient times.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention wallets, it does refer to money bags or pouches. For instance, in Proverbs 1:14, the concept of a shared purse is mentioned: "Throw in your lot with us; let us all have one purse." This indicates the use of a communal money bag among those who sought to entice others into sinful behavior.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the use of money bags is more explicitly mentioned. Jesus instructs His disciples regarding their missionary journeys, emphasizing reliance on God's provision rather than material possessions. In Luke 10:4, Jesus tells the seventy-two disciples, "Carry no purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road." This directive underscores the importance of faith and dependence on God rather than earthly wealth or security.

Similarly, in Luke 22:35-36, Jesus contrasts earlier instructions with new guidance as He prepares His disciples for future challenges: "Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you out without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing,' they answered. 'Now, however,' He told them, 'the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.'" This passage highlights a shift in circumstances, where practical preparation becomes necessary.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In biblical times, money bags or pouches were often made of leather or cloth and were tied to a belt or carried by hand. They symbolized wealth, security, and preparedness. The use of such items was common among travelers, merchants, and those who needed to carry valuables.

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of money bags to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches about the transient nature of earthly treasures: "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 concept of storing treasures in a money bag serves as a metaphor for the priorities of the heart.

Practical Lessons

The biblical references to money bags and similar items offer practical lessons for believers. They remind Christians of the importance of trusting in God's provision and prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions. The teachings of Jesus encourage a focus on eternal values and the readiness to serve God's kingdom without being encumbered by worldly concerns.

In summary, while the Bible does not mention "wallets" in the modern sense, the references to money bags and pouches provide valuable insights into the cultural practices of biblical times and offer enduring spiritual lessons for contemporary believers.

Prior Hugh
... The work stopped, and the Prior endured in grim silence. Another embassage
is sent, and again the lean wallets return still flabby. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iii prior hugh.htm

Whosoever Hath My Commandments, and Keepeth Them, He it is that ...
... [12] [3179] And he said unto them, When I sent you without purses, or wallets,
and shoes, [3180] [13] lacked ye perchance anything? ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xlvi whosoever hath my.htm

The Four Thousand
... And hence arises an interesting coincidence; for when the disciples had gone into
a desert place, and there gathered the fragments into wallets, each of them ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 1-10 the four thousand.htm

In Troubles --
... when Richard's attention was directed to Lincoln and its bishop, when he noticed
that it was a centre for sound and steady clerks whose wallets were by no ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vi in troubles.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... Reject the sweetness of her words lest thou fall into her net. She empties
purses and wallets, and her gains are without number. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Wallets (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wallets (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 the festival-robes,
and the tunics, and the mantles, and the wallets; (DBY). ...
/w/wallets.htm - 6k

Wallow (5 Occurrences)

/w/wallow.htm - 8k

Wallet (7 Occurrences)

/w/wallet.htm - 8k

Vessel (118 Occurrences)
... English Versions of the Bible evidently intended something in the nature of provision
wallets, and the "holiness" of such objects finds partial parallels in ...
/v/vessel.htm - 40k

Festival-robes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Festival-robes (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:22 the
festival-robes, and the tunics, and the mantles, and the wallets; (DBY). ...
/f/festival-robes.htm - 7k

Tunics (16 Occurrences)
... priests garments. (See JPS). Isaiah 3:22 the festival-robes, and the tunics,
and the mantles, and the wallets; (DBY NAS). Daniel 3 ...
/t/tunics.htm - 10k

What is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org

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