Brief Overview of πήρα (Strong’s G4082: pēra)

Strong’s G4082: A noun meaning “provision bag” or “traveler’s pouch.” In biblical contexts, specifically mentioned in Jesus’s instructions to His disciples about missionary travel, symbolizing reliance on God’s provision rather than material preparation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πήρα (pēra) refers to a traveler’s bag used for carrying provisions. In the New Testament, it appears notably in Jesus’s instructions to His disciples, where He commands them not to take one, emphasizing complete dependence on God’s provision. This command marked a radical departure from normal travel customs. Early church writers saw this as a model for apostolic ministry and trust in divine provision. Today, it continues to challenge believers about material dependence versus spiritual reliance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πήρα, pēra, pay’-rah
• Detailed pronunciation: pay (as in “pay”) + rah (as in “raw”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *per- meaning “to carry forth”

D – Defining Meanings

• Provision bag
• Traveler’s pouch
• Beggar’s bag
• Knapsack
• Food sack

Translation Options:

1. Provision bag – emphasizes purpose
2. Traveler’s pouch – indicates usage
3. Knapsack – modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βαλάντιον (balantion) [bal-an’-tee-on] – money bag
• σακκός (sakkos) [sak’-kos] – sackcloth
• μάρσιππος (marsippos) [mar’-sip-pos] – wallet

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• First Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πήρα
Genitive singular: πήρας
Dative plural: πήραις

Cross-references:
No direct verbal or adjectival derivatives in NT

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in travel contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to provisions. LSJ documents various types of bags. Vine’s connects it to missionary instructions. Strong’s highlights its practical function. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in travel documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“No bag [πήρα] for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.” (Matthew 10:10)

Additional References:
Mark 6:8
Luke 9:3
Luke 10:4
Luke 22:35-36

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πήρα powerfully illustrates the tension between human preparation and divine provision. The good news of King Jesus includes His faithful care for those who serve Him. This word challenges us to examine our trust in material resources versus reliance on God’s provision.

D – Did You Know?

1. Cynic philosophers made the bag a symbol of their lifestyle.
2. Early Christian missionaries often discussed its symbolic meaning.
3. The term influenced monastic traditions regarding possessions.

Strong’s G4082: A noun denoting a traveler’s provision bag. In Jesus’s missionary instructions, its prohibition symbolized complete dependence on God’s provision rather than human preparation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #provision #travel #missions #trust #dependence #disciples #Jesus #ministry #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #faith​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​