The term "girdedst" is an archaic form of the verb "gird," which appears in various passages of the Bible, particularly in older translations. To "gird" means to encircle or bind with a belt or band, often in preparation for action or movement. In biblical contexts, girding oneself is frequently associated with readiness, strength, and preparation for service or battle.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Preparation and Readiness: In the ancient Near Eastern culture, to gird oneself was to prepare for a task, often involving tucking in one's garments into a belt to allow for greater freedom of movement. This act symbolizes readiness and alertness. In the spiritual sense, it often implies being prepared for the work of God or for spiritual warfare.

2. Strength and Empowerment: Girding is also associated with strength. In the Bible, God is often depicted as the one who girds His people with strength. This divine empowerment enables believers to face challenges and fulfill their God-given missions.

3. Service and Humility: Girding can also signify a readiness to serve. In the New Testament, Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and the heart of a servant (John 13:4-5).

Scriptural References

· Psalm 18:39 : "For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me." This verse highlights the divine empowerment and preparation for spiritual or physical battles, emphasizing God's role in equipping His people.

· Job 38:3 : "Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me." Here, the call to gird oneself is a call to readiness and courage in the face of divine questioning and revelation.

· 1 Peter 1:13 : "Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." While the Berean Standard Bible uses "prepare your minds," the concept of girding the loins of the mind is present, indicating mental and spiritual readiness.

Theological Implications

The act of girding oneself in the Bible carries deep theological significance. It is a call to be spiritually prepared and vigilant, embodying the virtues of strength, humility, and readiness to serve. For believers, it is a reminder of the need to be equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and to live a life of active faith and obedience.

In summary, "girdedst" reflects a multifaceted concept of preparation, strength, and service, deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and applicable to the life of faith.

Youth and Age, and the Command for Both
... When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest:
but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/youth and age and the.htm

Conclusion.
... XXVI. CONCLUSION. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxvi conclusion.htm

After the Resurrection Day.
... Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/after the resurrection day.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel of John. xxi. 15, "Simon, Son of ...
... He announced to him beforehand his suffering. "When thou wast young," saith He,
"thou girdedst thyself, and wentest whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcvii on the same.htm

John xxi. 15
... Wherefore He saith,. Ver.18. "When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst
whither thou wouldest; but when thou art old, others shall gird thee ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxviii john xxi 15.htm

The Appearance to the Seven by the Sea.
... Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the appearance to the seven.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... When thou wast young," said our Lord to him, by the lake of Tiberias, when thou
wast a child in the faith, and hadst thine own way, "thou girdedst thyself, and ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

John Chapter x. 14-21
... denied might thrice confess Him, and had a third time given him the charge to feed
His sheep, He said to him, "When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlvii john chapter x.htm

Psalm 18
... 38I wounded them, they could not rise; they at my feet did fall. ^39Thou girdedst
me with strength for war; my foes thou brought'st down all: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 18.htm

John Chapter xxi. 12-19.
... Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young thou girdedst thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxiii john chapter xxi.htm

Girdedst (3 Occurrences)
...Girdedst (3 Occurrences). ... (ASV DBY). 2 Samuel 22:40 And thou girdedst me with strength
to battle: Thou didst subdue under me those that rose up against me. (DBY) ...
/g/girdedst.htm - 7k

Girded (48 Occurrences)
... John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou ...
/g/girded.htm - 21k

Girdel (3 Occurrences)

/g/girdel.htm - 7k

Desiredst (3 Occurrences)
... John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself,
and walkedst where thou desiredst; but when thou shalt be old, thou ...
/d/desiredst.htm - 7k

Bring (1372 Occurrences)
... John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself,
and walkedst where thou desiredst; but when thou shalt be old, thou ...
/b/bring.htm - 40k

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