Wallet
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Topical Encyclopedia
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, often symbolizing preparedness, provision, or the lack thereof.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the use of money bags or pouches 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 valuables. Although not explicitly called wallets, these sacks served a similar function in transporting and safeguarding possessions.

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides more direct references to money bags, which can be seen as the ancient equivalent of a wallet. In the Gospels, Jesus instructs His disciples regarding their journey and provisions. 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." Here, the "purse" (Greek: ballantion) can be understood as a money bag or wallet, emphasizing reliance on God's provision rather than material preparation.

Similarly, in Luke 22:35-36 , Jesus contrasts earlier instructions with new guidance: "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 the disciples' mission, where practical preparation, including carrying a purse or wallet, becomes necessary.

Symbolism and Lessons

The wallet or money bag in biblical texts often symbolizes trust and dependence on God versus reliance on material wealth. 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." This passage encourages believers to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions.

Furthermore, the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 warns against hoarding wealth without regard for one's spiritual state. The rich man's focus on storing up earthly goods ultimately leads to his downfall, as God calls him to account for his life that very night.

Practical Implications

While the Bible does not explicitly mention wallets as we know them today, the principles surrounding the use of money bags or pouches offer timeless lessons. Believers are encouraged to exercise wise stewardship of their resources, maintain a heart of generosity, and place their trust in God's provision rather than in material wealth. The biblical perspective on possessions serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly goods and the eternal value of spiritual riches.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) A bag or sack for carrying about the person, as a bag for carrying the necessaries for a journey; a knapsack; a beggar's receptacle for charity; a peddler's pack.

2. (n.) A pocketbook for keeping money about the person.

3. (n.) Anything protuberant and swagging.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
WALLET

wol'-et, -it.

See SCRIP.

Greek
4082. pera -- a leather pouch
... a leather pouch. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pera Phonetic Spelling:
(pay'-rah) Short Definition: a sack, wallet Definition: a sack, wallet ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4082.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
3219. yalqut -- receptacle, perhaps a wallet
... 3218, 3219. yalqut. 3220 . receptacle, perhaps a wallet. Transliteration:
yalqut Phonetic Spelling: (yal-koot') Short Definition: pouch. ...
/hebrew/3219.htm - 6k
Library

B. The Last Supper. Ch. 22:7-38
... 35 And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet,
and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the last supper ch.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... b 8 and he charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a
staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse; 9 but to go shod ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

The Farewell Conversation.
... And he said unto them, "When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet,
and shoes, lacked ye anything?". And they said, "Nothing.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the farewell conversation.htm

The Mission of the Twelve
... them authority over the unclean spirits; and He charged them that they should take
nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 7-13 the mission of.htm

Of the Life and Miracles of Jesus, and Testimonies Concerning Them ...
... But they said that they had five loaves and two fishes in a wallet. ... And from
the bread of one wallet there shall be a satisfying of men.". ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xv of the life and.htm

Thursday --The Day of Fellowship.
... And he said unto them, "When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet,
and shoes, lacked ye anything?". And they said, "Nothing.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/thursdaythe day of fellowship.htm

In the Desert
... Once more in his work-day dress, his wallet of tools and provisions across his shoulder,
the young sculptor passed toward the Nile, moody and unhappy but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold.
... of them as occurring again in the opening lines of [9]Section CXXIII.] ^c 35 And
he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxix judas betrayal and peters.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... After a long interval of motionless absorption he sprang to his feet and, catching
a wallet of stamped and dyed leather from the wall, spread it open on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Broken Bread
... Title Page. BROKEN BREAD FROM AN EVANGELIST'S WALLET. BY THOMAS CHAMPNESS.
"JOYFUL NEWS" BOOK DEPOT, ROCHDALE. MDCCCLXXXVIII. B. Wrigley ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/title page.htm

Thesaurus
Wallet (7 Occurrences)
... swagging. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WALLET. wol'-et, -it. See SCRIP.
Multi-Version Concordance Wallet (7 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/w/wallet.htm - 8k

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

Scrip (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A small bag or wallet usually fastened to the girdle
(1 Samuel 17:40); "a shepherd's bag.". ... 1. (n.) A small bag; a wallet; a satchel. ...
/s/scrip.htm - 10k

Belt (32 Occurrences)
... Luke 10:4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. ... Luke 22:36 Then he said to them,
"But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. ...
/b/belt.htm - 17k

Bag (52 Occurrences)
... (3.) Another word rendered "bag" in 1 Samuel 17:40 is rendered "sack" in Genesis
42:25; and in 1 Samuel 9:7; 21:5 "vessel," or wallet for carrying food. ...
/b/bag.htm - 29k

Journey (214 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except
a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, (WEB KJV WEY ASV ...
/j/journey.htm - 42k

Staff (91 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except
a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, (WEB KJV ASV DBY ...
/s/staff.htm - 38k

Nothing (769 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except
a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, (WEB KJV WEY ASV ...
/n/nothing.htm - 40k

Lack (86 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and
shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT ...
/l/lack.htm - 33k

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

What is the Universal Life Church? | GotQuestions.org

Wallet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Wallet (7 Occurrences)

Matthew 10:10
no wallet for 'your' journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
(ASV)

Mark 6:8
He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,
(WEB ASV)

Luke 9:3
He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece.
(WEB ASV)

Luke 10:4
Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
(WEB ASV)

Luke 22:35
He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."
(WEB ASV)

Luke 22:36
Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
(WEB ASV)

1 Samuel 17:40
He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his wallet. His sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.
(WEB ASV RSV)

Subtopics

Wallet

Related Terms

Wallow (5 Occurrences)

Wallet (7 Occurrences)

Vessel (118 Occurrences)

Festival-robes (2 Occurrences)

Tunics (16 Occurrences)

Walled-in
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