γλωσσόκομον (glōssokomon)
glōssokomon
moneybag
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun glōssokomon refers to a small container, specifically a moneybag or purse. While its classical Greek root suggests a case for holding the reeds of wind instruments, the New Testament usage aligns with the Septuagint’s translation of Hebrew terms for a chest or box. In this context, it denotes a practical vessel for storing valuables rather than musical equipment.
This word appears only twice in the Gospels, both within John’s narrative regarding Judas Iscariot. In John 12:6 and 13:29, it identifies the bag Judas carried to hold the common funds or his personal share of the money. This specific detail highlights the tangible nature of his role as treasurer, grounding the spiritual conflict in a concrete object associated with greed and betrayal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word glōssokomon simply means a moneybag. In the Gospels, it appears only twice, both times linked to Judas Iscariot. It was a practical container for holding coins, likely carried on his person during Jesus’ ministry. This small detail grounds the spiritual drama in everyday reality.
John 12:6 reveals that Judas used this bag not just to hold funds, but to steal from it. The object itself is neutral; it is how we use what God has entrusted to us that defines our character. Whether holding a purse or managing a budget, the heart’s posture matters most.
This word reminds us that faithfulness in small things reflects our true devotion. We are invited to examine our own stewardship, asking for grace to handle resources with integrity and generosity, trusting God rather than hoarding what belongs to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- money bag2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γλωσσόκομον2×
Key Verses
-
John 12:6
Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.
This verse explicitly links the moneybag to Judas’s theft, showing how a neutral tool became an instrument of greed.
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John 13:29
For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, “Buy what things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
Here the bag causes misunderstanding among the disciples, highlighting their failure to see Judas’s true nature despite his role as treasurer.