περιζώννυμι

I gird round

Definition

The verb περιζώννυμι literally means 'to gird around' or 'to tie around the waist.' In its active form, it describes the action of putting on a belt or girdle, often to secure one's long garment for work, travel, or battle (e.g., Luke 17:8). In the middle voice (περιζώννυμαι), it means 'to gird oneself,' signifying personal preparation for action or readiness, as seen in Jesus's parables about servants awaiting their master (Luke 12:35, 37). Figuratively, it is used to describe being spiritually equipped, such as having one's 'loins girded with truth' as part of the armor of God (Ephesians 6:14).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in narrative and metaphorical contexts. In the Gospels (Luke 12:35, 37; 17:8), it describes literal preparation for service or a journey. In Acts 12:8, it is used literally for Peter girding himself before escaping prison. The word takes on a strong metaphorical sense in Ephesians 6:14, where girding with truth is part of spiritual armor. It also appears in visionary descriptions in Revelation, depicting angelic or divine figures (Revelation 1:13; 15:6) as girded, symbolizing readiness and power.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' and the verb ζώννυμι (zōnnymi), meaning 'to gird' or 'to bind.' The root conveys the idea of fastening or preparing by tying something around the waist, a common practice in the ancient world to manage clothing. The compound form emphasizes the encircling action of girding.

Semantic Range

This word carries significant theological weight related to readiness, service, and spiritual warfare. Jesus uses it in parables to illustrate the vigilance required of his followers (Luke 12:35-37). In Ephesians 6:14, it is foundational to the metaphor of the 'whole armor of God,' where 'girding your loins with truth' represents the essential first step in standing firm against spiritual evil, grounding the believer in divine reality. Understanding this physical action enriches the call to be spiritually prepared and active in faith.

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, people typically wore long, loose garments (tunics). Girding or tying these up with a belt or sash was a necessary, daily act to free the legs for physical labor, travel, or combat. It was a universal symbol of readiness for action. Without this context, the modern reader might miss the urgency and practical imagery in passages calling for spiritual preparedness.

ζώννυμι (zōnnymi, G2224) — The simpler, non-compound form meaning 'to gird.' περιζώννυμι adds the specific nuance of girding around the waist. ἀναζώννυμι (anazōnnymi, G328) — Means 'to gird up,' often with a similar sense of preparation, but can imply gathering one's garments more tightly or vigorously.

Word Details

Scripture References