Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

MATTHEW 10:9KJV
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Matthew 10:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:9 mean?

Matthew 10:9 tells Jesus’ disciples not to take gold, silver, or brass (copper coins) in their purses as they go out on their mission. The verse means they are to travel without bringing money for themselves, relying instead on what will be provided to them.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his twelve disciples as he sends them out to preach and heal. He instructs them to leave behind personal funds and not to pack wealth or coins in their money belts. This instruction highlights their dependence on God and the hospitality of those they serve, rather than on their own resources.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:9

  • "Provide" (κτήσησθε, ktēsēsthe) is often understood as "acquire" or "procure," suggesting the disciples are not to obtain or bring along extra money for their journey.
  • "Purses" (ζώνας, zōnas) refers to money belts or pouches, the common way people carried coins. The instruction is not just about not using money, but not even carrying it for future use.
  • The three types of money—"gold" (χρυσόν, chrysón), "silver" (ἄργυρον, argyron), and "brass" (χαλκόν, chalkon)—cover all the main coinage of the time, emphasizing that no form of payment should be taken.

Why Matthew 10:9 matters

  • Matthew 10:9 clarifies that Jesus wanted his disciples to travel light and not rely on material wealth or preparation for their needs.
  • This instruction sets the tone for the disciples’ mission, showing that their work is to be marked by trust and simplicity, not self-sufficiency.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus gives practical and spiritual guidance for the disciples’ journey, emphasizing faith and dependence on God’s provision.

Where else these words appear

“silver” Greek G696 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
  • James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

“brass” Greek G5475 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
  • Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

“Provide” Greek G2932 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
  • Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
  • Acts 22:28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

“purses” Greek G2223 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
  • Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.