Brief Overview of περιζώννυμι (Strong’s G4024: perizonnymi)

Strong’s G4024: A compound verb combining περί (around) and ζώννυμι (to gird/bind), meaning “to gird oneself completely.” Used literally for preparation for work or travel, and metaphorically for spiritual readiness. Particularly significant in describing preparation for service and spiritual warfare.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιζώννυμι represents complete readiness for action through the act of girding. As a compound word, it combines comprehensive encirclement (περί) with binding (ζώννυμι), creating a vivid image of securing loose garments for active service. In the New Testament, it appears both literally for physical preparation and metaphorically for spiritual readiness. The word carries deep significance in military, service, and spiritual contexts, particularly in Jesus’s teachings about watchfulness and Paul’s discussion of spiritual armor. Early church writers expanded its usage to emphasize constant spiritual preparedness. Today, it continues to symbolize both practical and spiritual readiness for Christian service.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιζώννυμι, perizonnymi, [peh-ree-ZONE-noo-mee]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-ZONE-noo-mee (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• ζώννυμι (zonnymi): root verb meaning “to gird, bind”
• Combined meaning: to gird completely around

D – Defining Meanings

• To gird oneself completely
• To prepare for action
• To secure clothing for service

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely around” to ζώννυμι “to gird,” emphasizing complete preparation

Translation Options:

1. Gird up – Traditional, emphasizing preparation
2. Fasten – Modern equivalent for preparation
3. Prepare – Captures metaphorical sense

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ζώννυμι [zonnymi, ZONE-noo-mee] – simple “to gird”
• ἀναζώννυμι [anazonnymi, ah-nah-ZONE-noo-mee] – to gird up again
• διαζώννυμι [diazonnymi, dee-ah-ZONE-noo-mee] – to gird all around

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Imperative, Participle
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Ongoing or completed state

Examples: gird, girds, girded, girding

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical preparation. Thayer’s notes its military usage. LSJ provides examples from classical preparation for battle. Vine’s connects it to spiritual readiness. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the preparation. Moulton and Milligan document its use in everyday life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Let your loins be [girded about], and your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35)

Additional References:
Luke 17:8, Acts 12:8, Ephesians 6:14, Revelation 1:13, 15:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιζώννυμι powerfully illustrates the complete preparation needed for Christian service. Just as ancient servants and soldiers girded themselves for action, believers must be ready to serve King Jesus at any moment. This word reminds us that the gospel demands both practical preparation and spiritual readiness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient military manuals for battle preparation
2. Common in servant contexts for readiness to serve
3. Became a metaphor in early Christian baptismal ceremonies

Strong’s G4024: Compound verb expressing complete preparation through girding. Used both literally and metaphorically for readiness to serve. Significant in contexts of spiritual warfare, service preparation, and watchfulness for Christ’s return.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Preparation #SpiritualWarfare #Service #Readiness #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #ChristianLife #Watchfulness #MilitaryImagery #Discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​