Original Word: חָרִיט
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chariyt
Pronunciation: khaw-reet'
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-reet')
KJV: bag, crisping pin
NASB: bags, money purses
Word Origin: [from the same as H2747 (חֶרֶט - graving tool)]

1. (properly) cut out (or hollow)
2. (by implication) a pocket

bag, crisping pin

Or charit {khaw-reet'}; from the same as cheret; properly, cut out (or hollow), i.e. (by implication) a pocket -- bag, crisping pin.

see HEBREW cheret

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
bag, purse
NASB Translation
bags (1), money purses (1).

[חָרִיט] noun masculine^{1Ki 5:23} bag, purse (compare Arabic bag or purse made of skin or other material) — only plural absolute שְׁנֵי חֲרִטִים 2 Kings 5:23, containing each a talent of silver; הָֽחֲרִיטִים Isaiah 3:22 in list of ladies' finery.

Scope of the Term

חָרִיט denotes a small, hollow container―normally of cloth, leather, or finely woven material―used to carry silver, gold, gemstones, or other valuables. In both narrative and prophetic literature it represents the tangible symbol of wealth that can be either employed for righteous generosity or hoarded in prideful self-indulgence.

Scriptural Occurrences

• 2 Kings 5:23. Naaman presses Gehazi to accept “two talents of silver in two bags”. The scene exposes the servant’s covetous heart; the bag becomes the instrument of hidden greed that ultimately brings judgment (2 Kings 5:27).
• Isaiah 3:22. Among the fineries stripped from the “daughters of Zion” are “the purses.” The removal signals divine reproof of ostentatious luxury in a time of spiritual decline.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the ancient Near East, precious metals were weighed rather than minted, so portable bags were indispensable for commerce and travel. Wealthy families often embroidered or perfumed these purses to display status. Their presence in royal courts (2 Kings) and aristocratic wardrobes (Isaiah) reflects the intersection of economic prosperity and societal rank in eighth–to-ninth-century Israel and Judah.

Theological Messaging

1. Stewardship versus Greed. Gehazi’s misuse contrasts sharply with Elisha’s refusal of Naaman’s gifts (2 Kings 5:16). The bag that could have facilitated mission becomes evidence against the servant when unconfessed sin is brought to light.
2. Judgment upon Pride. Isaiah’s oracle shows that worldly adornments, however fashionable, cannot shield a rebellious people from covenant discipline. The emptied purse is a metaphor for emptied pride.
3. Heart over Apparatus. Scripture never condemns the bag itself; rather, it confronts motives—covetousness, ostentation, self-trust—that may dwell unseen within the heart much like coins hidden within a purse (cf. Proverbs 4:23).

Connection to the Broader Canon

Jesus’ admonition, “Provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old” (Luke 12:33), echoes the prophetic thrust of Isaiah 3: worldly containers perish, but treasures laid up in heaven endure. Paul later teaches financial partnership in gospel work (Philippians 4:15-17), showing that the “purse” can be sanctified when employed for Kingdom purposes.

Ministry and Discipleship Applications

• Challenge believers to inventory the “bags” of their own lives: savings accounts, careers, talents. Are they offered to God or clutched in fear or pride?
• Highlight the peril of concealed sin. Like Gehazi, modern disciples may appear godly while secretly misusing resources. Regular confession and accountability safeguard integrity.
• Encourage sacrificial generosity. Isaiah’s removed purses warn that hoarded wealth will ultimately be lost, whereas investments in evangelism, mercy, and global mission reap eternal dividends.

Homiletical Outlines

1. “What’s in Your Bag?” (2 Kings 5) – Motives, Means, Manifestation, Manifest Judgment.
2. “When God Empties the Purse” (Isaiah 3) – Pride, Pretense, Purging, Promise of Restoration.

Prayer Focus

Ask the Lord to cleanse hearts of greed, to consecrate resources for Kingdom advance, and to replace the fleeting security of earthly bags with the lasting joy of heavenly treasure.

וְהָחֲרִיטִֽים׃ והחריטים׃ חֲרִטִ֗ים חרטים chariTim ḥă·ri·ṭîm ḥăriṭîm vehachariTim wə·hā·ḥă·rî·ṭîm wəhāḥărîṭîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts