Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical times, the concept of "pockets" as we understand them today did not exist. Clothing in ancient Israel and the surrounding regions typically consisted of tunics, robes, and cloaks, which were often secured with belts or sashes. These garments did not have sewn-in pockets like modern clothing. Instead, people used other means to carry small items, such as pouches or bags.
Biblical References and ContextWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention "pockets," it does refer to money bags or pouches, which served a similar purpose. In the New Testament, Jesus instructs His disciples regarding their journey: "Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions" (
Matthew 10:9-10). Here, the "belts" likely refer to money belts or pouches that were tied around the waist, serving as a means to carry currency or small personal items.
In the Old Testament, the concept of carrying items is also seen in the use of sacks or bags. For instance, when Joseph's brothers went to Egypt to buy grain, they carried their silver in sacks: "Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey" (
Genesis 42:25). These sacks were likely carried over the shoulder or attached to animals, rather than being integrated into clothing.
Cultural and Historical InsightsThe absence of pockets in ancient garments reflects the cultural and technological context of the time. Clothing was primarily functional, designed for protection and modesty, rather than for convenience in carrying personal items. The use of external pouches or bags was a practical solution for transporting goods, money, or other necessities.
The Bible's references to money bags and similar items highlight the importance of being prepared for travel and the reliance on God's provision. Jesus' instructions to His disciples to travel light and depend on the hospitality of others underscore a spiritual principle of trust and reliance on God rather than material possessions.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the absence of pockets and the reliance on external means to carry possessions can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life. Believers are encouraged to hold loosely to material possessions and to trust in God's provision. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the transient nature of earthly wealth and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven: "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" (
Matthew 6:19-20).
In summary, while the Bible does not mention pockets directly, the cultural practices of carrying items in bags or pouches provide insight into the daily life of biblical times and offer spiritual lessons on reliance and trust in God.
Library
A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... determine whether the above is not a real voice from Gibraltar heard by ourselves
one moonlight night at Algeziras, as with our hands in ourpockets we stood...
Fragrant Graces
... If a man should fill hispockets with dust, he might walk where he would, and though
he should scatter it in the air, few would notice it; but let him go into...
One Day when Old Diamond was Standing with his Nose in his Bag...
... And first of all he strolled with his hands in hispockets up to the crossing,
where the girl and her broom were to be found in all weathers....
The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... Probably Demetrius and the rest were more frightened than hurt; but men are
very quick to take alarm when theirpockets are threatened....
The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods...
... Of course, money for general Church purposes would still be required: but the Brethren
trusted that this would come readily from thepockets of loving members....
The Ethics of Elfland
... If there is a law that pick-pockets shall go to prison, it implies that there is
an imaginable mental connection between the idea of prison and the idea of...
Moral Characteristics.
... But that does not say that an exorbitant tariff, to supply "jobs" which shall furnish
rich "spoils" for those who have "pulls" out of thepockets of the many...
Introduction
... Lay out your scheme of emigration, get the money where you can, that is to say,
call it flown from heaven and wile it out of earthlypockets, anticipate all...
Prior Hugh
... a handsome price. The salesmen liked this new business; it filled theirpockets,
and they blessed the new influence. This good merchant...
Eighth Commandment
... violations of this eighth commandment, because the law of the land looks after these;
but a man or woman can steal without cracking safes and pickingpockets....
Thesaurus
Pockets (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pockets (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:9 "Provide no gold,
nor even silver nor copper to carry in your
pockets; (WEY BBE).
...Pocket (3 Occurrences)
Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... Girdles were used as purses orpockets (Matthew 10:9. AV, "purses;" RV, marg.,
"girdles." Also Mark 6:8). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A griddle....
Podium (1 Occurrence)
Penny (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE WBS). Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for the journey except a
stick; no bread, no bag, and not a penny in theirpockets, (WEY)....
Copper (55 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Copper (55 Occurrences). Matthew 10:9 "Provide no gold,
nor even silver nor copper to carry in yourpockets; (WEY BBE NAS RSV NIV)....
Carry (246 Occurrences)
... He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. (WEB WEY RSV NIV). Matthew 10:9 "Provide
no gold, nor even silver nor copper to carry in yourpockets; (WEY)....
Charged (109 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for the journey except a stick; no bread,
no bag, and not a penny in theirpockets, (WEY ASV RSV)....
Stick (47 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for the journey except a stick;
no bread, no bag, and not a penny in theirpockets, (WEY BBE)....
Bag (52 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for the journey except a stick; no bread,
no bag, and not a penny in theirpockets, (WEY BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
What is tribalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Protestant Reformation? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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