Lexical Summary anazónnumi: To gird up, to fasten, to prepare Original Word: ἀναζώννυμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gird up. From ana and zonnumi; to gird afresh -- gird up. see GREEK ana see GREEK zonnumi HELPS Word-studies 328 anazṓnnymi (from 303 /aná, "up to down" and 2224 /zṓnnymi, "gird, take out slack") – properly, raise up a tunic (= "tighten the belt"), "girding oneself"; (figuratively) getting ready (prepared) to move quickly, i.e. where someone needs to go and arrive at without delay (used only in 1 Pet 1:13). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and zónnumi Definition to gird up NASB Translation prepare (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 328: ἀναζώννυμιἀναζώννυμι: to gird up; middle to gird up oneself or for oneself: ἀναζωσάμενοι τάς ὀσφύας, 1 Peter 1:13, i. e. prepared — a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when about to start on a journey or engage in any work, to bind their long and flowing garments closely around their bodies and fasten them with a leathern girdle; cf. περιζώννυμι. (the Sept. Judges 18:16; Proverbs 29:35 Topical Lexicon Background and Imagery In the clothing of the ancient Near East, lengthy tunics reached well below the knees. When vigorous movement was required—travel, work, conflict—a man would gather up the lower folds and tuck them under a sash or belt, freeing the legs for decisive action. This act, commonly referred to as “girding up the loins,” became an established metaphor for readiness, focus, and exertion. Strong’s Greek 328 captures that single, deliberate motion of gathering in slack material so that nothing hinders purposeful forward movement. Biblical Usage The verb appears once in the Greek New Testament—1 Peter 1:13. Addressing believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, the apostle urges: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). The literal idiom is, “gird up the loins of your mind,” and Peter’s choice of this vivid picture bridges Israel’s Scripture-saturated past with the church’s present calling. Lines of Continuity from Old to New Testament • Exodus 12:11 narrates Israel’s Passover night: “...with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand,” a posture of readiness for immediate redemption. Peter’s exhortation stands in this long line of prophetic commission. The same God who once prepared Israel for deliverance now calls the church to live in the light of the completed redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. Theological Themes 1. Readiness for Grace-Revealed Obedience Peter anchors the command not in human initiative but in the “grace to be given” at Jesus’ return. The believer’s mental discipline is both response to past grace and anticipation of future grace. The verse sits at the head of a section that calls for holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16). Gathering the mind’s “loose ends” prevents distraction and fuels a life distinct from former ignorance. Paul employs parallel imagery in Ephesians 6:14—“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Where Peter focuses on mental readiness, Paul emphasizes doctrinal integrity, yet both depict truth securing the inner person for battle. Historical and Cultural Setting First-century believers lived under social marginalization and sporadic persecution. The command to “gird up” the mind assured them that faithfulness was neither passive nor defensive. Christians were to think differently from the surrounding culture, anchoring identity not in civic status but in a coming revelation of glory. Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Teach new believers to identify and “tie back” thought patterns that impede obedience—worry, bitterness, worldly ambitions. Illustrative Passages for Further Study Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 4:29; Job 38:3; Isaiah 11:5; Jeremiah 1:17; Luke 12:35; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13. Forms and Transliterations αναζωσαμένη αναζωσαμενοι αναζωσάμενοι ἀναζωσάμενοι anazosamenoi anazosámenoi anazōsamenoi anazōsámenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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