Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the girdle was an essential piece of clothing, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The term "girdle" refers to a belt or band worn around the waist, often used to secure garments and provide support for carrying weapons or tools. The act of "girding" oneself with a girdle was a common practice, symbolizing readiness, strength, and preparedness for action.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the girdle is frequently mentioned as part of the attire of various individuals, including priests, warriors, and common people. The Hebrew word for girdle is "חֲגוֹרָה" (chagorah) or "אֵזוֹר" (ezor). The girdle was typically made of leather or cloth and was used to fasten the tunic, allowing for greater freedom of movement. The priestly garments described in Exodus include a girdle as a significant component. Exodus 28:4-8 details the garments of the high priest, including the ephod, which was bound with a skillfully woven waistband or girdle: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with skillful work. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen." The girdle also appears in the context of warfare. In 1 Samuel 17:39 , David girds his sword over his armor as he prepares to face Goliath: "David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not used to them. 'I cannot walk in these,' David said to Saul. 'I am not used to them.' So David took them off." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of girding oneself is often used metaphorically to convey spiritual readiness and moral fortitude. The Greek word for girdle is "ζώνη" (zōnē). In Ephesians 6:14 , the Apostle Paul instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." Here, the girdle, or belt, symbolizes truth, an essential component of the spiritual armor of God. The act of girding is also associated with service and humility. In John 13:4-5 , Jesus girds Himself with a towel to wash the disciples' feet, demonstrating servanthood: "So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was around Him." Symbolic Significance The girdle holds significant symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. It represents readiness for service, action, and spiritual warfare. The act of girding one's loins is a call to be prepared, vigilant, and equipped for the tasks and challenges ahead. In 1 Peter 1:13 , believers are exhorted to "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." In summary, the girdle in biblical times was more than a mere article of clothing; it was a symbol of readiness, truth, and service, reflecting the wearer's commitment to God and His purposes. ATS Bible Dictionary Girdle GirdThe Orientals commonly dress in loose robes, flowing down around the feet; so that when they wish to run, or fight, or apply themselves to any business, they are obliged to bind their garments close around them with a sash or girdle. Hence, "to have the loins girded," is to be prepared for action or service, 2 Kings 4:29 Acts 12:8; to be waiting for the call or coming of one's master or Lord, Luke 12:35. A tightened girdle was also thought to increase the power of endurance, and the simile is used in exhortations to Christian courage and fortitude, Job 38:3 Jeremiah 1:17 Ephesians 6:14 1 Peter 1:13. To have the girdle loosed, is to be unnerved and unprepared for action, Isaiah 5:27. Girdles of leather were worn by the common people; and also by prophets, 2 Kings 1:8 Matthew 3:4. They were likewise made of cotton or linen, Jeremiah 13:1; also of silk, sometimes embroidered. They were often wide and long; and were folded lengthwise, and passed several times around the body. The girdle, moreover, answered the purpose of a purse or pouch, to carry money and other things; see Matthew 10:9 Mark 6:8, where the word purse in the English is put for girdle according to the original Greek. The Arabs and other Orientals wear girdles in the same manner at the present day; they also carry a knife or dagger stuck in them; as was also the custom of the Hebrews, 1 Samuel 25:13 2 Samuel 20:8. Clerks carried their inkhorns, carpenters their rules, etc., in the same way, Ezekiel 9:2. See cuts in GARMENTS. Greek 2224. zonnumi -- to gird ... zonnumi Phonetic Spelling: (dzone'-noo-mi) Short Definition: I gird Definition: I gird, put on the girdle, especially as preparatory to active work. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2224.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2290. chagowr -- a belt, girdle... girdle Or chagor {khag-ore'}; and (feminine) chagowrah {khag-o-raw'}; or chagorah {khag-o-raw'}; from chagar; a belt (for the waist) -- apron, armour, gird(-le ... /hebrew/2290.htm - 5k Library The Slave's Girdle Of the Monk's Girdle. A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ... Peter's Deliverance from Prison Ephesians vi. 14 "Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. " The Servant-Lord Letter xxii. To Eustochium. The Evidence of Our Lord's Wounds Do You Know Him? Resources What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Girdle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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