The term "girds" in the Bible is often associated with the act of fastening or securing garments, typically with a belt or girdle. This action is both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing readiness, strength, and preparation for action or service. The concept of girding is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both physical and spiritual preparedness.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, girding is frequently mentioned in the context of preparing for battle or undertaking a significant task. For instance, in 1 Kings 18:46, we read, "The hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel." Here, Elijah's act of girding up his loins signifies his readiness and divine empowerment to accomplish a task with great speed and endurance.

The act of girding is also associated with strength and might. In Psalm 18:32, David declares, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." The imagery of God girding the psalmist with strength underscores divine empowerment and protection.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, girding takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus uses the imagery of girding in His teachings to convey readiness and vigilance. In Luke 12:35, He instructs, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning." The phrase "dressed for service" is a call to be spiritually prepared and alert for the coming of the Lord.

The Apostle Paul also employs the metaphor of girding in Ephesians 6:14, where he writes, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." Here, the "belt of truth" is part of the full armor of God, symbolizing the believer's commitment to truth and integrity as foundational to spiritual warfare.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Girding in the Bible often symbolizes readiness and preparation, whether for physical action or spiritual service. It conveys a sense of urgency and commitment, urging believers to be prepared for the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. The act of girding oneself is a reminder of the need for spiritual discipline and the importance of being equipped with God's truth and strength.

In a broader sense, girding represents the believer's call to be ready for the return of Christ, to live a life of service, and to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles. It is a call to be vigilant, disciplined, and fully committed to the work of the Lord, trusting in His strength and guidance.247. azar -- to gird, encompass, equip
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to gird, encompass, equip NASB Word Usage binds
(1), bound (1), encircle (1), gird (7), girded (5), girds (1). ...
/hebrew/247.htm - 6k

2296. chagar -- to gird, gird on, gird oneself
... gird, gird on, gird oneself NASB Word Usage armed (3), bound (1), come trembling
(1), dressed* (1), gird (11), gird yourselves (2), girded (15), girds (3), put ...
/hebrew/2296.htm - 6k

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... Life's Fount; a Draught fraught [1547] with all wisdom. He. Produced the orb whose
bosom all things girds; Him not a region, not a place, includes as. ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Elijah
... as when he goes, forty days and forty nights, far away out of Judea, over the waste
wilderness, to Horeb the mount of God; or, as again, when he girds up his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

Orthodoxy Sunday.
... Now joys the Church regaining. Her ornaments divine: And girds them on in gladness,.
As fits a festal day,. After long months of struggle,. Long years of disarray ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/orthodoxy sunday.htm

The Light that from the Fire of Love
... 8.8.8.8. I. The light that from the fire of love. With glory girds the throne above,.
Falls on our world by sin undone,. All radiant as the morning sun. II. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/the light that from the.htm

The Servant-Lord
... heaven, and are a contrast with earth. The Lord who is the Servant girds
Himself. That corresponds with the commandment that went ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the servant-lord.htm

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
... After the preceding historical resume, he girds himself to his proper work of
proclaiming the Gospel, and he marks the transition in verse 26 by reiterating ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the first preaching in asia.htm

I Will Run in My Affections, to Him who Heals Freely
... On the sackcloth that girds my altar, look Thou, O my Lord, and have pity on me!
Let the sackcloth be to me, O my Lord, the breastplate of salvation! 5. Lo! ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi i will run.htm

Ephesians vi. 14
... sense. [478] And observe how methodically he proceeds. First he girds up
his soldier. [479] What then is the meaning of this? The ...
/.../homily xxiii ephesians vi 14.htm

Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ...
... If, however, you will not acknowledge John, you have our common master Paul, who
"girds our loins about with truth, and puts on us the breastplate of ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv figurative style of certain.htm

Psalm 18:3. 30 31 34 35 46. 3D Part. LM Rejoicing in God; Or ...
... 2 'Tis he that girds me with his might, Gives me his holy sword to wield; And while
with sin and hell I fight, Spreads his salvation for my shield. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 18 3 30 31 34.htm

Girds (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Girds (4 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 31:17 She girds her
waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/g/girds.htm - 7k

Girgashite (7 Occurrences)

/g/girgashite.htm - 11k

Girdles (13 Occurrences)

/g/girdles.htm - 10k

Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which girds, encircles, or encloses; a circumference; a belt; esp.,
a belt, sash, or article of dress encircling the body usually at the waist; a ...
/g/girdle.htm - 24k

Waist (36 Occurrences)
... There is no soundness in my flesh. (WEB). Proverbs 31:17 She girds her waist
with strength, and makes her arms strong. (WEB). Song ...
/w/waist.htm - 17k

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