A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 10:4

"Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way." — Luke 10:4 (ASV)

Purse (βαλλαντιον). Old word for money-bag, sometimes a javelin as if from βαλλω. Only in Luke in the N.T. (10:4; 12:33; 22:35ff.). See Lu 9:3; Mr 6:7f.; Matthew 10:9f. for the other similar items.

Salute no man on the way (μηδενα κατα την οδον ασπασησθε). First aorist (ingressive) middle subjunctive with μηδενα. The peril of such wayside salutations was palaver and delay. The King's business required haste. Elisha's servant was not to tarry for salutations or salaams (2 Kings 4:29). These oriental greetings were tedious, complicated, and often meddlesome if others were present or engaged in a bargain.