In biblical times, the girdle was an essential article of clothing for both men and women, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. For women, the girdle was a significant part of their attire, often reflecting their social status, modesty, and readiness for work or travel.

Description and Function

The girdle, in the context of women's clothing, was typically a belt or sash made from various materials such as leather, linen, or wool. It was worn around the waist to secure garments, such as tunics or robes, and to provide support. The girdle allowed for greater freedom of movement, especially when engaging in daily tasks or traveling. It also served as a place to tuck in small items or tools needed for work.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not extensively detail the specifics of women's girdles, there are several references that highlight their use and significance. In Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman is described as one who "girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong" (Proverbs 31:17). This passage metaphorically uses the girdle to symbolize strength, diligence, and preparedness, qualities esteemed in a godly woman.

In Isaiah 3:24, the prophet Isaiah contrasts the finery of the women of Zion with the coming judgment, stating, "Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope" . Here, the girdle represents beauty and adornment, which will be replaced by symbols of mourning and humiliation due to the people's disobedience.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The girdle was more than a functional garment; it held cultural and symbolic meanings. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the girdle could signify a woman's marital status or her role within the household. A well-crafted girdle might indicate wealth or social standing, while a simple one might reflect modesty and humility.

In a spiritual sense, the girdle is often associated with readiness and truth. Ephesians 6:14, though not specifically about women, exhorts believers to "stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" . This imagery underscores the importance of being prepared and grounded in truth, a principle applicable to all believers, including women.

Conclusion

The girdle, as worn by women in biblical times, was a multifaceted garment that served practical, cultural, and symbolic purposes. It was an integral part of a woman's attire, reflecting her role, status, and virtues. Through biblical references, the girdle also conveys deeper spiritual truths about strength, readiness, and the adornment of godly character.Isaiah 3:24
And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.
Nave's Topical Index

7196. qishshurim -- bands, sashes
... attire, headband. From qashar; an (ornamental) girdle (for women) -- attire, headband.
see HEBREW qashar. 7195, 7196. qishshurim. 7197 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7196.htm - 6k

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... find him; and when at length she was informed that he was at Myra, in Lycia, she
took with her many young men and women; and putting on a girdle, and dressing ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ...
... not be persuaded to do this, and she, loosing also her girdle, which was ... the demon
cried out, saying, O violence, from this destroyer even women have received ...
/.../unknown/the acts of xanthippe and polyxena/life and conduct of the.htm

1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... Let us fear, beloved, lest we also hear what the Prophet said to the Hebrew women
who were so studious of outward ornament; "Instead of a girdle, thou shalt be ...
/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm

The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ...
... highly favoured one to the South, where came out the river of fire, [3956] and there
there lay a multitude of men and women, some up to the girdle, others up ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of the virgin/the apocalypse of the holy.htm

Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments.
... For as the serpent deceived Eve, so also has ornament of gold maddened other women
to vicious practices, using as a bait the ... Girdle, shawl, fine purple border,. ...
/.../the instructor paedagogus/chapter xiiiagainst excessive fondness for.htm

Further Proofs, from Ezekiel. Summary of the Prophetic Argument ...
... with the garment reaching to the feet, who had upon his loins the girdle; and said ...
and pity not elder or youth or virgin; and little ones and women slay ye all ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter xi further proofs from ezekiel.htm

Letter xxxviii. To Marcella.
... girdle. [775] Is the world displeased because a widow's food is coarse? Nothing
can be coarser than locusts, and yet these were the food of John. The women who ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxviii to marcella.htm

From the First Chapter.
... Otherwise the golden girdle bound around His breast indicates the enlightened
conscience, and ... Holy Spirit by the month of Isaiah: "Of seven women which took ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the first chapter.htm

On Clothes.
... And if such must be woven [1536] for the women, let us weave apparel pleasant ... Elias
used a sheepskin mantle, and fastened the sheepskin with a girdle made of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... the gonorrhea and the leprosy were excluded out of the city entirely; women also,
when ... But that girdle that tied the garment to the breast was embroidered with ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

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