Topical Encyclopedia The term "girded" in the Bible often refers to the act of fastening or securing garments with a belt or sash, a practice common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This action was not merely practical but also carried significant symbolic meaning, often associated with readiness, strength, and preparation for action or service.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the concept of being girded is frequently associated with preparation for battle or work. 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 readiness and divine empowerment for the task at hand. The priests in the Old Testament were also instructed to be girded as part of their sacred duties. Exodus 28:4 describes the priestly garments, including the sash, which was used to gird the priest, symbolizing their readiness and consecration for service in the tabernacle. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the imagery of being girded is used metaphorically to describe spiritual readiness and moral fortitude. Ephesians 6:14 instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." Here, the belt of truth is part of the full armor of God, signifying the importance of truth and integrity in the believer's life. Jesus Himself uses the imagery of being girded in Luke 12:35-36, where He exhorts His followers, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once." The call to be dressed for service, or girded, emphasizes vigilance and preparedness for the Lord's return. Symbolism and Spiritual Application The act of girding oneself in the biblical context often symbolizes readiness for action, whether in physical, spiritual, or moral realms. It conveys a sense of urgency and preparedness, urging believers to be vigilant and equipped for the tasks God sets before them. The girding of loins, in particular, is a call to be spiritually alert and morally upright, ready to respond to God's call at any moment. In a broader spiritual sense, being girded with truth, righteousness, and readiness reflects a life committed to God's service, characterized by integrity, faithfulness, and a proactive stance in spiritual warfare. The imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian's call to live a life of discipline, devotion, and readiness for the return of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. p.) of Gird.Greek 1241. diazonnumi -- to gird around ... Word Origin from dia and zonnumi Definition to gird around NASB Word Usage girded (2), put (1). gird, put on. From dia and zonnumi; to gird tightly -- gird. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1241.htm - 6k 1463. egkomboomai -- to put on oneself (as a garment) 4024. perizonnumi -- to gird Strong's Hebrew 2289. chagor -- girded... girded. Transliteration: chagor Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-gore') Short Definition: girded. Word Origin from chagar Definition girded NASB Word Usage girded (1). ... /hebrew/2289.htm - 6k 2223. zarzir -- girded 8151. shanas -- to gird up 2296. chagar -- to gird, gird on, gird oneself 247. azar -- to gird, encompass, equip 631. asar -- to tie, bind, imprison Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 35, "Let Your Loins be ... Psalm XCIII. The Equipment of the Servants 'The Girdle of Truth' Reverence in Worship. Ephesians vi. 14 His Legacy. John Chapter xiii. 5-Jan The Foot-Washing. Ephesians vi. 14-17 Thesaurus Girded (48 Occurrences)... (pp) of Gird. Multi-Version Concordance Girded (48 Occurrences). Luke 12:35 "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning. (WEB KJV ASV DBY YLT RSV). ... /g/girded.htm - 21k Gird (44 Occurrences) Vest (11 Occurrences) Girdles (13 Occurrences) Tunic (24 Occurrences) Attire (11 Occurrences) Waist (36 Occurrences) Girdle (44 Occurrences) Loins (72 Occurrences) Belt (32 Occurrences) Resources Girded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Girded (48 Occurrences)Luke 12:35 Luke 17:8 John 13:4 John 13:5 John 21:7 John 21:18 Ephesians 6:14 1 Peter 1:13 Revelation 1:13 Revelation 15:6 Exodus 12:11 Exodus 29:9 Leviticus 8:7 Leviticus 8:13 Leviticus 16:4 Deuteronomy 1:41 Judges 3:16 Judges 18:11 Judges 18:16 Judges 18:17 1 Samuel 2:4 1 Samuel 2:18 1 Samuel 17:39 1 Samuel 25:13 2 Samuel 6:14 2 Samuel 20:8 2 Samuel 21:16 2 Samuel 22:40 1 Kings 18:46 1 Kings 20:32 Nehemiah 4:18 Psalms 18:32 Psalms 18:39 Psalms 30:11 Psalms 65:6 Psalms 65:12 Psalms 93:1 Psalms 109:19 Proverbs 31:17 Isaiah 15:3 Isaiah 45:5 Lamentations 2:10 Ezekiel 7:18 Ezekiel 16:10 Ezekiel 23:15 Ezekiel 27:31 Daniel 10:5 Joel 1:8 Subtopics Related Terms |