The Greek noun balantion means a money bag, a purse, or a pouch for carrying coins. It is found four times in the New Testament, all in Luke's Gospel, where it appears in the context of Jesus' teaching about stewardship, provision, and mission.
In Luke 12:33, Jesus contrasts the perishable money bag with the inexhaustible heavenly treasure: 'Provide purses (balantia) for yourselves that will not wear out.' In Luke 22:35–36, the contrast between the first and second mission commissions highlights how earthly circumstances change: the disciples previously traveled without money bags; now they should take them.
The balantion thus serves as a vivid material symbol of earthly provision and its limitations. Jesus' teaching does not condemn money or practicality, but consistently relativizes material resources in light of the kingdom. The 'purse that does not wear out' is the ultimate investment framework.