חֲגוֹר
a belt (for the waist)
Definition
The Hebrew noun חֲגוֹר (chăgôwr) refers to a belt or girdle worn around the waist. In its most basic sense, it is a functional garment, like the simple belts made of leaves in Genesis 3:7. However, it often signifies a more substantial item of clothing, such as a warrior's belt or girdle that holds a sword or other armor, as seen when Jonathan gives his robe and armor to David (1 Samuel 18:4). In some poetic contexts, like Isaiah 32:11, it can symbolize preparedness or action, as in 'gird yourselves' with sackcloth. The word encompasses a range from simple aprons to military gear.
Biblical Usage
חֲגוֹר appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and prophetic books. It describes basic clothing (Genesis 3:7), military attire (1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 18:11; 2 Kings 3:21), and royal garments (1 Kings 2:5). In Isaiah, it is used figuratively in prophecies of judgment, where fine belts are replaced by ropes (Isaiah 3:24) or used in calls to mourning (Isaiah 32:11). The usage shifts from literal clothing to symbolic of status, preparedness, or humiliation.
Etymology
The noun חֲגוֹר derives from the root חָגַר (H2296, chāgar), meaning 'to gird' or 'to bind on.' This root conveys the action of putting on or fastening a belt. The feminine forms חֲגוֹרָה or חֲגֹרָה are also used. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the meaning of a belt or girdle, emphasizing its function of encircling and securing.
Semantic Range
While primarily a clothing item, חֲגוֹר can carry theological weight in its symbolic uses. It marks transitions and covenants, as when Jonathan's gift of his robe and armor (including his חֲגוֹר) to David signifies the transfer of royal destiny (1 Samuel 18:4). In prophetic literature, its loss or replacement (Isaiah 3:24) symbolizes divine judgment and the stripping away of pride and security, pointing to human vulnerability before God. Understanding this range enriches readings of passages about preparation, service, and humility.
In ancient Israelite culture, a belt or girdle was a practical and symbolic garment. Unlike modern belts, it was often a long, wrapped sash that could secure loose robes for work or travel. A warrior's belt was crucial for holding a sword, making it synonymous with military readiness and strength. A fine belt could also indicate social status or wealth. The 'aprons' of fig leaves in Genesis 3:7 reflect a primal, human attempt at covering and dignity, distinct from tailored clothing.
אֵזוֹר (ʾēzôr, H232) — A more common term for a belt or girdle, often used interchangeably but sometimes with a more general sense. אַבְנֵט (ʾavnēṭ, H73) — Specifically refers to the priestly sash or girdle, denoting sacred attire. חֵמֶת (chēmeṯ, H2573) — A warrior's belt or girdle, emphasizing its use for holding a sword.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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