Matthew 10:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Provide {G2932} neither {G3361} gold {G5557}, nor {G3366} silver {G696}, nor {G3366} brass {G5475} in {G1519} your {G5216} purses {G2223},

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't take money in your belts, no gold, no silver, no copper;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.

American Standard Version

Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 10:9, Jesus issues a radical and counter-intuitive command to His twelve disciples as He sends them on their initial missionary journey to the lost sheep of Israel. He instructs them to make no provision for their material needs—neither gold, silver, nor brass in their money-bags—thereby compelling them into absolute dependence on God's divine provision and the hospitality of those they would minister to, underscoring the urgency and spiritual nature of their mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' comprehensive instructions to His twelve apostles following their commissioning and empowerment in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"). Having granted them authority over unclean spirits and all manner of sickness and disease, Jesus immediately outlines the parameters of their urgent mission. They are specifically commanded to go to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to Israel")) and to proclaim that "[the kingdom of heaven is at hand](/matthew/10-7 "Matthew 10:7 - Preach the Kingdom of Heaven")" while healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons ([Matthew 10:8](/matthew/10-8 "Matthew 10:8 - Heal and Preach")). The instructions regarding provisions in [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Instructions on Provisions") are integral to this initial, short-term, and highly focused evangelistic tour, emphasizing a complete reliance on God rather than personal resources.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, itinerant teachers, prophets, and philosophers were not uncommon. While some might travel with provisions, it was also customary for such figures to rely on the hospitality of their hosts, especially if their message was welcomed. The "purses" (Greek: _zṓnē_) referred to a belt or girdle that often contained a pouch for carrying money or other small items. Gold, silver, and brass represented the common denominations of currency, from valuable gold coins to everyday brass or copper coins. Jesus' command directly challenged the conventional wisdom of preparing for a journey, placing His disciples in a position of immediate vulnerability and complete reliance on God's direct intervention through the generosity of others. This also served to distinguish His disciples from common beggars or charlatans, as their provision would be a direct sign of the divine approval of their message.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Radical Trust and Dependence on God**. By forbidding the disciples to carry any form of currency, Jesus forces them into a position of absolute reliance on God's provision through the hospitality of those who would receive their message. This underscores that their mission was divinely ordained and would be divinely sustained. Another key theme is the **Urgency of the Mission**. The lack of time for preparation highlights the immediate and pressing nature of proclaiming the kingdom, leaving no room for worldly distractions or delays. This command also promotes **Simplicity and Focus**, encouraging the disciples to be unburdened by material concerns, allowing them to concentrate entirely on their spiritual task. Finally, this directive implicitly introduces the theme of **The Worker is Worthy of His Hire**, a principle explicitly stated in [Matthew 10:10](/matthew/10-10 "Matthew 10:10 - The Worker is Worthy of His Meat"), where Jesus states that "the laborer is worthy of his food." This established the expectation that those who received the message of the kingdom would, in turn, provide for the messengers' basic needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Provide (Greek, _ktáomai'_):** This verb (G2932) means "to get, i.e. acquire (by any means; own)." The command is not merely against carrying money they already possessed, but against actively *acquiring* or *procuring* it for the journey. It implies a prohibition on making any financial preparations or accumulating resources for their mission, emphasizing a complete and immediate reliance on God's spontaneous provision.
* **neither (Greek, _mḗ'_):** This primary particle (G3361) expresses a qualified negation, indicating a prohibition or a "not" that is conditional or volitional. When combined with "nor" (G3366, _mēdé_), it forms a strong, absolute prohibition: "not even... nor... nor." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jesus' command, excluding all forms of monetary provision.
* **purses (Greek, _zṓnē'_):** This noun (G2223) primarily refers to "a belt," but by implication, it also denotes "a pocket" or "money-bag" often attached to or integrated into the belt. The instruction to not carry gold, silver, or brass *in their purses* specifically targets the common method of carrying money, reinforcing the practical and immediate nature of the prohibition on personal financial security for the journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass":** This clause issues a direct and comprehensive prohibition against any form of monetary provision for the journey. "Gold," "silver," and "brass" represent the full spectrum of coinage in circulation, from the most valuable to the most common. The command is not merely against excess, but against any personal financial preparation whatsoever, underscoring a radical call to dependence.
* **"in your purses":** This phrase specifies the location where such money would typically be carried, reinforcing the practical dimension of the command. The "purses" (money-bags or belt-pouches) were the means by which one would secure and transport financial resources. By forbidding money in these typical carriers, Jesus ensures that the disciples would be entirely unburdened by and unreliant upon personal finances.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as Jesus' command to "provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass" is an extreme, all-encompassing prohibition. While seemingly literal, its primary function is to dramatically emphasize the absolute nature of the dependence required and the urgency of the mission, rather than setting a permanent, universal financial standard for all believers. There is also clear **Symbolism** at play: "gold, silver, and brass" symbolize worldly security, self-reliance, and material provision, which are to be forsaken in favor of divine sustenance. The "purses" themselves can be seen as a **Metonymy** for financial independence or preparedness, the very concept of which is being challenged. These devices collectively amplify the radical call to faith and single-minded dedication to the kingdom's proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:9 stands as a profound theological statement on divine provision and the nature of kingdom ministry. It asserts that God is the ultimate provider for those engaged in His work, calling His messengers to a radical trust that transcends conventional human security. This command challenges the notion that effective ministry is contingent upon material resources, instead emphasizing spiritual empowerment and God's faithfulness. The disciples' lack of personal provision was intended to demonstrate God's active involvement in their mission, compelling them to rely solely on Him and the hospitality of those receptive to the Gospel. This principle of dependence fosters humility, deepens faith, and ensures that the glory for any success redounds to God alone.

* [Mark 6:8](/mark/6-8 "Mark 6:8 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")
* [Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")
* [Luke 22:35-36](/luke/22-35-36 "Luke 22:35-36 - Jesus' Later Instructions on Provisions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal conditions of Jesus' command in Matthew 10:9 were specific to a particular, urgent mission to Israel, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our trust in God for our daily needs and for the resources required to fulfill His calling on our lives. It encourages a radical detachment from the illusion of self-sufficiency, prompting us to prioritize God's kingdom and mission above accumulating worldly security. For those engaged in ministry, it serves as a powerful reminder that our effectiveness stems not from our financial reserves or elaborate preparations, but from divine empowerment and provision. It calls us to step out in faith, knowing that God will sustain His work and His workers, even when it means embracing vulnerability and relying on unexpected sources of provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this command challenge our modern understanding of security and provision, particularly in a consumer-driven society?**
* **In what specific areas of our lives might God be calling us to greater dependence on Him, even if it feels counter-intuitive or risky?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of simplicity and maintain a focused commitment to God's mission without being unduly burdened or distracted by material possessions?**

### FAQ
**Question?**

Answer: No, Jesus' command in Matthew 10:9 was a specific instruction for a particular, urgent, and short-term missionary journey to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to Israel")). It was designed to teach the disciples radical dependence on God and to emphasize the urgency of their task. Later in His ministry, Jesus gives different instructions regarding provisions. In [Luke 22:35-36](/luke/22-35-36 "Luke 22:35-36 - Jesus' Later Instructions on Provisions"), Jesus asks His disciples, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?" They answered, "Nothing." Then He tells them, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip." This later instruction indicates that the initial command was contextual and temporary, adapting to the changing circumstances of their ongoing ministry and the broader mission to the Gentiles. The principle of trusting God remains, but the method of provision can vary.

**Question?**

Answer: This verse does not imply a blanket prohibition against saving money or wise financial stewardship for Christians. Instead, it highlights a principle of radical trust and prioritization for a specific missionary context. The Bible, particularly in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Ant and Diligence"), encourages diligence and foresight in preparing for the future. The core message of Matthew 10:9 is about the *source* of security and *priority* in ministry. It teaches that God's provision is ultimate and that the mission of the kingdom should not be hindered or delayed by a lack of material resources or an over-reliance on them. For believers today, it calls for a balance: to be wise stewards of resources God provides, but never to allow those resources to become the object of our ultimate trust or to impede our obedience to God's call.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:9, with its radical call to dependence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied this principle throughout His earthly ministry. Just as He sent His disciples without material provision, Jesus, the Son of God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), relying entirely on the Father for His sustenance and direction. He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), depending on the hospitality of others and the miraculous provision of God (e.g., [feeding the multitudes](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). His life was a living testament to the truth that His "meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). The disciples' mission, undertaken with such radical trust, foreshadowed the greater mission of the church, empowered by Christ's Spirit and sustained by His ongoing provision. Their dependence mirrored His own perfect reliance on the Father, demonstrating that true spiritual authority and effectiveness flow from a complete surrender of worldly security in favor of divine sufficiency, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God who provided salvation through His own self-emptying.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 22:35

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Luke 9:3

And he said unto them, Take nothing for [your] journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Luke 10:4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Luke 10:12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

1 Corinthians 9:7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.