Purse. A 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; Proverbs 7:20; Isaiah 46:6, and, if they were merchants, also their weights. Deuteronomy 25:13; Micah 6:11.
This bag is described, in the New Testament, by the terms, balantion, (bag), Luke 10:4; Luke 12:33; Luke 22:35; Luke 22:38, and glossokomon, (originally, the bag in which musicians carried the mouth-pieces of their Instruments). John 12:6; John 13:29. The girdle also served as a purse. Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8. Ladies wore ornamental purses. Isaiah 3:24.