πήρα (pēra)
pēra
bag
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pēra refers to a simple leather pouch or wallet used by travelers and shepherds to carry food and provisions. In the New Testament, this practical item appears in Jesus’ instructions to his disciples regarding their missionary journeys. He tells them not to take such a bag along with their other supplies, emphasizing reliance on hospitality rather than carrying heavy burdens (Matthew 10:10; Mark 6:8).
Later, the word gains deeper significance when Jesus contrasts the ease of the initial mission with the coming difficulties. He asks his followers if they lacked anything during their first outreach, and when they reply in the negative, he instructs them to take a pēra on future trips (Luke 22:35-36). This shift highlights how the context of ministry changes, requiring different levels of preparation.
Etymologically, the origin of the word is uncertain, but its usage consistently points to a utilitarian container for sustenance. Unlike modern backpacks, this leather sack was likely small and worn over the shoulder, symbolizing the minimalism Jesus initially demanded. Translators typically render it as "bag" or "wallet," preserving the image of a humble traveler’s essential gear.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pēra describes a simple leather pouch used by travelers to carry food. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this everyday item to teach about trust and timing. He first tells his disciples to leave their bags behind, relying on God’s provision through others. This was not a test of poverty, but a lesson in dependence.
Later, the context shifts. Jesus asks if they lacked anything during that initial mission, and when they say no, He instructs them to take a bag for future challenges. This change shows that while God always provides, our responsibilities and circumstances evolve. We are called to trust Him whether we carry little or prepare for more.
For your faith today, this word invites you to examine your own burdens. Are you carrying unnecessary weight? Or are you under-prepared for the road ahead? Jesus meets you in both places, offering wisdom for each season of your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bag4×
- provision-bag1×
- a bag;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πήραν3×
- πήρας1×
- πήραν·1×
- πήραν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
This verse establishes the principle of radical dependence on God’s provision through hospitality rather than personal stockpiling.
-
Luke 22:35
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
Here Jesus recalls the earlier mission to confirm that divine care was sufficient, setting up a contrast with the coming hardships.
-
Luke 22:36
Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
This command marks a significant shift, indicating that the disciples will soon face hostility and must prepare practically for survival.