Concise Bible Dictionary:
A bag for money or weights (Prov. 1:14; Isa. 46:6; Luke 10:4; Luke 22:35, 36; John 12:6). In Matthew 10:9 and Mark 6:8, the “girdle” is alluded to, a portion of which was used as a purse.
Model of an ancient Roman leather purse.
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Matthew 10:9. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses.
See also Mark 6:8; Luke 10:4.
“In your purses,” is literally “in your girdles,” (ζώνας) It is quite common to use the folds of the girdle as a pouch, or pocket, for the reception of money. Money is also sometimes carried in a bag, which is. put into the girdle. This is referred to in the parallel passage in Luke, where the word rendered “purse” (βαλαντιον) signifies a bag.
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