Brief Overview of διαζώννυμι (G1241: diazṓnnymi)

Transliteration: diazṓnnymi (pronounced dee-ah-ZONE-noo-mee)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαζώννυμι (diazṓnnymi) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (diá, meaning “through” or “across”) and the verb ζώννυμι (zṓnnymi, meaning “to gird” or “to fasten”). The term literally means “to gird around” or “to bind around.” In the context of its usage, it generally refers to the act of girding oneself, often with a belt or similar item, usually in preparation for an activity, such as a journey, work, or battle. The verb conveys a sense of readiness or preparedness, emphasizing the act of securing clothing or equipment firmly around the body.

Scripture References

The verb diazṓnnymi appears in the New Testament and is used in the following verse:

• John 21:7 (ESV): “That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.” In this verse, the word diazṓnnymi is used in the context of Peter girding or fastening his outer garment before plunging into the sea, emphasizing his readiness and eagerness to meet the Lord.

Detailed Lexicon Description

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) describes diazṓnnymi as a verb that primarily means “to gird around” or “to fasten around.” The lexicon notes that the verb is often used in contexts where individuals prepare for action by securing their garments or gear. BDAG highlights that the term not only conveys a literal meaning of fastening clothing but also carries a metaphorical sense of being prepared or ready for action.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon offers a similar description, defining diazṓnnymi as “to gird oneself” or “to put on a belt.” Thayer’s emphasizes the action of securing clothing or equipment as a preparatory step, particularly before engaging in work, travel, or battle. The lexicon also notes the broader symbolic meaning of being ready or prepared for a task.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) expands on the usage of diazṓnnymi in classical Greek literature, noting that the term was frequently used in both military and civilian contexts to describe the act of preparing oneself by girding up clothing or armor. LSJ highlights that the verb was commonly used to describe soldiers preparing for battle or travelers getting ready for a journey.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer, Iliad – In Homer’s Iliad, the verb diazṓnnymi is used to describe warriors girding themselves for battle. This usage emphasizes the act of preparation and readiness, as soldiers secure their armor and weapons before entering combat.
2. Herodotus, Histories – Herodotus employs diazṓnnymi in the context of travelers preparing for long journeys. In this instance, the verb illustrates the act of securing one’s clothing and belongings before setting out on an expedition, highlighting the importance of being well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
3. Plato, Laws – Plato uses diazṓnnymi metaphorically to describe individuals who prepare themselves mentally and physically for philosophical discussions or debates. This usage reflects the broader application of the term to encompass not just physical readiness but also intellectual and emotional preparedness.

Summary

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The Greek verb diazṓnnymi (G1241) is a dynamic term that conveys the act of girding or fastening clothing or equipment around oneself, typically in preparation for action. Derived from the combination of διά (diá) and ζώννυμι (zṓnnymi), the word emphasizes readiness, whether for a journey, work, or battle. The term appears in the New Testament in John 21:7, where it describes Peter girding himself before meeting the risen Lord. Lexical sources such as BDAG and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon highlight both the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word, emphasizing its association with preparedness. The verb is also widely used in classical Greek literature, where it is applied in various contexts, from military to philosophical, to underscore the importance of being prepared and ready for the task at hand.