Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it deepens our grasp of the original texts and provides a richer understanding of ancient Greek culture. The Greek word ζώννυμι (zōnnymi) is particularly significant as a verb meaning “to gird” or “to put on a belt.” This action was fundamental in ancient times, symbolizing preparedness and readiness for action, whether for daily tasks or warfare. Its occurrences in the New Testament reveal deeper spiritual meanings, especially in passages emphasizing readiness and spiritual preparation.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζώννυμι (zōnnymi), pronounced [ZO-nyee-mee].
- Etymology: Derived from the root ζώνη (zōnē), which means “belt” or “girdle.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; primarily in the middle voice in the New Testament.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To gird: To fasten or put on a belt around one’s waist.
- To prepare oneself: Often used metaphorically to mean preparing for action or battle.
- To clothe: Implies the act of putting on clothing, particularly garments that require a belt.
Similar Words: περιζώννυμι (perizōnnymi), pronounced [pe-ri-ZO-nyee-mee], is a related verb meaning “to gird around” or “to wrap around with a belt.” While ζώννυμι simply means “to gird,” περιζώννυμι emphasizes wrapping or encircling, often with a belt or cloth, indicating a more complete action.
Further Insights: ζώννυμι is a verb that appears mostly in the middle voice in New Testament usage, which emphasizes the subject acting upon themselves (e.g., girding oneself). This verb follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns, changing its endings according to tense, voice, and mood. Below is a table showing the present active indicative conjugation for ζώννυμι:
| Person / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | ζώννυμι | ζωννύομεν |
| 2nd Person | ζώννυς | ζωννύετε |
| 3rd Person | ζώννυσι(ν) | ζωννύουσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ζώννυμι is defined primarily as “to gird,” often in the context of preparing for a journey or battle. It also carries metaphorical meanings of being prepared or ready, especially in spiritual contexts.
Thayers: Describes ζώννυμι as a verb meaning “to gird oneself,” emphasizing both the literal and figurative uses in the New Testament. It highlights its use in passages where spiritual readiness is implied, such as in Ephesians 6:14.
Vines: Notes that ζώννυμι is used to signify “girding oneself” or “being prepared.” It is closely related to ζώνη, the noun form, and is used metaphorically to describe readiness, such as in girding one’s loins for action.
LSJ: Primarily presents ζώννυμι as “to gird” in classical Greek, with examples from Homeric and classical texts. It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, similar to its New Testament usage.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ζώννυμι as “to gird” or “to put on a belt,” emphasizing its practical and figurative uses. The concordance notes its appearances in passages about spiritual preparation, such as in Luke 12:35.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 12:35: “Be dressed [ζωννύμενοι] in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.”
- Acts 12:8: “And the angel said to him, ‘Gird [ζώσαι] yourself and put on your sandals.’ And he did so.”
- Ephesians 6:14: “Stand firm therefore, having girded [περιζωσάμενοι] your loins with truth.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He girded [ζώννυτο] himself with his armor and went out to fight.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They girded [ζώννυνται] themselves for the march, preparing for the long journey ahead.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The warriors girded [ζώννυντο] themselves with courage, knowing the battle would be fierce.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 12:11 | “You shall eat it with your loins girded [ζωσμένοι], your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 11:5 | “Righteousness shall be the girdle [ζώνη] of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His waist.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 31:17 | “She girds [ζώννυται] herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” |
Summary of ζώννυμι (G2224: zōnnymi)
The Greek verb ζώννυμι (zōnnymi) primarily means “to gird” or “to fasten with a belt,” and is closely related to the noun ζώνη (zōnē). In the New Testament, it is often used to signify preparation, both literal and metaphorical, such as getting ready for a journey or being spiritually prepared for action. This word also appears in classical Greek literature, highlighting its relevance in daily life and military contexts. Understanding ζώννυμι allows readers to appreciate the broader significance of “girding” in both Biblical and ancient Greek cultures, where it symbolizes readiness, strength, and preparedness.
Did You Know?
- The act of “girding one’s loins” was a practical step for ancient people to prepare for travel or battle by tucking in their garments into their belts, making movement easier.
- In Ephesians 6:14, “girding your loins with truth” uses ζώννυμι metaphorically, encouraging believers to prepare themselves with truth like a warrior prepares with a belt.
- In ancient Greek athletic contests, belts were sometimes used to distinguish competitors, and “girding” oneself indicated readiness and focus.
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