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βαλάντιον

balántion

G905 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small pouch or purse, typically used for carrying money. The term denotes a portable container or wallet for coins or valuables, especially of a size carried on one's person. In some contexts, the focus is on its function as a repository for personal funds or provisions.

Semantic Range

purse, money bag, pouch (for silver or coins), small wallet, repository for valuables

Root / Etymology

From the root βαλ-, associated with 'throwing' or 'placing', and by extension, a container into which things are placed. The precise morphological development from βάλλω is indirect; the formative elements suggest an object for holding or storing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

βαλάντιον is found in Hellenistic and Koine Greek literature as the standard term for a money pouch or purse. Unlike the classical Greek term βαλλάντιον (found in earlier texts), this Koine spelling is characteristic of the period. In the New Testament, βαλάντιον most often appears in instructions about travel or material possessions (e.g., Luke 10:4, 12:33, 22:35-36), where it refers specifically to a traveler's purse used for carrying money or small personal items. The term is distinct from σάκκος (sack; a larger bag for provisions), and from πλήρης ('wallet', sometimes broader in meaning). In Septuagint usage, it appears infrequently, but where present, it indicates a money pouch. English translations typically render the term as 'purse' or 'money bag', though the cultural context implies a small personal pouch rather than a modern handbag or wallet. There is no inherent religious or social significance in the term itself; it designates a practical object in daily life. In ancient economies, such pouches were necessary for managing coins in an era before paper currency or pockets sewn into clothing. The word's semantic range is stable from late classical through New Testament usage, always centering on a small container for valuables.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably remotely from βάλλω (as a depository); a pouch (for money):--bag, purse.

Root Family

βαλάντιον (balantion) — to throw, to place, to deposit; pouch, purse, repository

Root βαλ- to throw, to place, to deposit

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G905-02 βαλλάντιον ballantion N ACC N SG purse a money pouch a money pouch 2
G905-03 βαλλαντίου ballantiou N GEN N SG purse of a money pouch a money pouch 1
G905-01 βαλλάντια ballantia N ACC N PL moneybags money pouches moneybags 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G905-02 Luke 10:4 βαλλάντιον ballantion N ACC N SG purse a money pouch a money pouch
G905-01 Luke 12:33 βαλλάντια ballantia N ACC N PL moneybags money pouches moneybags
G905-03 Luke 22:35 βαλλαντίου ballantiou N GEN N SG purse of a money pouch a money pouch
G905-02 Luke 22:36 βαλλάντιον ballantion N ACC N SG purse a money pouch a money pouch
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