The term "girdeth" is an archaic form of the verb "gird," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. To "gird" generally means to encircle or bind with a belt or band, often in preparation for action or service. This term is rich in symbolic meaning, reflecting readiness, strength, and commitment.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "girdeth" is frequently used in the context of preparing for battle or service. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:39, David girds his sword over his armor as he prepares to face Goliath. This act of girding signifies readiness and determination to fulfill God's purpose. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 22:40, David declares, "You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me." Here, the act of girding is associated with divine empowerment and victory.

The imagery of girding is also used metaphorically to describe God's provision and strength. In Psalm 18:32, the psalmist proclaims, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." This verse highlights the belief that God equips His people with the necessary strength and resources to accomplish His will.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of girding is often linked to spiritual readiness and service. Ephesians 6:14 instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." The belt of truth is part of the full armor of God, symbolizing the importance of truth and integrity in the Christian life.

The act of girding is also seen in the context of humility and service. In John 13:4-5, Jesus girds Himself with a towel and washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating servanthood and love. This act serves as a powerful example for believers to follow in their relationships with others.

Symbolic Meaning

The act of girding in the Bible often symbolizes preparation, strength, and readiness for action. It reflects a state of being equipped and empowered, whether for physical battle, spiritual warfare, or humble service. The imagery of girding underscores the importance of being prepared and committed to fulfilling God's purposes.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of girding emphasizes the believer's reliance on God's strength and provision. It serves as a reminder that, while human effort is necessary, ultimate success and victory come from God. The act of girding also calls believers to a life of readiness, integrity, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

In summary, "girdeth" is a term that encapsulates the themes of preparation, strength, and service throughout the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's call to be equipped and ready for the work God has set before them.

Psalm XCIII.
... 3. Perhaps we should enquire respecting this word also, why he said, "He is girded."
Girding signifieth work: for every man then girdeth himself, when he is ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciii.htm

Portrait of a Matron
... She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.18. She perceiveth
that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.19. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/portrait of a matron.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and ...
... "He is their God that girdeth them with strength, and maketh their way perfect. ... His
right hand upholdeth them. He girdeth with strength unto the battle," &c. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter vi how christ is.htm

Commandments to Women.
... She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth
a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii commandments to women.htm

The Ideal Devout Life
... parallel, as I have remarked, with this one, gives a somewhat different and inferior
version of that thought when it says, 'It is the Lord that girdeth me with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the ideal devout life.htm

Putting on the Armour
... said. Tell him. Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself
as he that putteth it off.'"1 Kings 20:11. For the Young. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/putting on the armour.htm

November the Eighteenth Exhilarant Spirits
... the steepest hills. Let us seek the inspiration of the Lord. "It is God
that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.". ...
/.../november the eighteenth exhilarant spirits.htm

April 23 Morning
... or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh
my way perfect. By the grace of God I am what I am. Jer.3:23. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/april 23 morning.htm

Psalm 18
... but he. who is a rock and stay? ^32'Tis God that girdeth me with strength,. and
perfect makes my way. ^33He made my feet swift as the hinds,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 18.htm

The Net Broken
... He 'makes the wrath of man to praise Him, and with the remainder thereof He girdeth
Himself.' To-day, as then, He is working out His deep designs through men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net broken.htm

Girdeth (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Girdeth (11 Occurrences). Leviticus 8:13 And Moses
bringeth near the sons of Aaron, and doth clothe them ...
/g/girdeth.htm - 9k

Girds (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:11 And the king of Israel answered and said: 'Tell him: Let not him that
girdeth on his armour boast himself as he that putteth it off.' (See NAS RSV ...
/g/girds.htm - 7k

Girding (8 Occurrences)

/g/girding.htm - 9k

Loins (72 Occurrences)
... Job 12:18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. ... Proverbs
31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. ...
/l/loins.htm - 33k

Looseth (5 Occurrences)
... are' with him: (YLT). Job 12:18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth
their loins with a girdle. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Job 12:21 ...
/l/looseth.htm - 7k

Girdest (6 Occurrences)

/g/girdest.htm - 7k

Wrappeth (5 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 16:4 a holy linen coat he putteth on, and linen trousers are on his flesh,
and with a linen girdle he girdeth himself, and with a linen mitre he ...
/w/wrappeth.htm - 8k

Turbans (6 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 8:13 And Moses bringeth near the sons of Aaron, and doth clothe them
'with' coats, and girdeth them 'with' girdles, and bindeth for them turbans, as ...
/t/turbans.htm - 8k

Mouths (86 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:16 and Ehud maketh for himself a sword, and it hath two mouths (a cubit
'is' its length), and he girdeth it under his long robe on his right thigh ...
/m/mouths.htm - 32k

Proverb (24 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:6; "dark saying" in Psalm 49:4, Numbers 12:8. Ahab's defiant words in
answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, "Let not him that girdeth on his ...
/p/proverb.htm - 29k

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